Washington DC, MD to Sacramento, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

• If you're heading to Sacramento from Washington DC, you'll find that rent is roughly 21% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 20% less in Sacramento than in Washington DC.
• Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 22% lower in Sacramento compared to Washington DC.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Sacramento. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 33% lower than in Washington DC.
• Choosing to move to Sacramento can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 44% less than in Washington DC.
• In Sacramento, the unemployment rate is approximately 10% higher than in Washington DC, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
• Sales taxes rise by 46% in Sacramento over Washington DC, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
• Income taxes are 131% higher in California than in Maryland, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Sacramento's population is about 22% less than Washington DC.
• Sacramento's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
• Sacramento is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
• Both Sacramento and Washington DC have similar bike-friendliness scores (70 vs 67), meaning Sacramento is about as safe for cyclists as Washington DC. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Sacramento's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 49.21 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
• Sacramento is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 50.79 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
• Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Washington DC it's Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Sacramento. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown Sacramento
• East Sacramento
• Land Park
• Natomas Park
• North Oak Park

Best neighborhoods for families

• Boulevard Park
• River Park
• Land Park
• Village 7
• East Sacramento
• Natomas Park

Things to do in Sacramento

Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Sacramento has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Sacramento, such as the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.