Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Los Angeles to Washington DC typically costs $4,100–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,668 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Los Angeles to Washington DC
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD typically costs $4,100–$8,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,668-mile move from Los Angeles to Washington DC, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $8,210 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $8,151 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,760 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 28, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 20, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 15, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 13, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Washington DC
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $13,600.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,700–$4,500) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Washington DC, MD to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Best Los Angeles to Washington DC movers by type
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Best professional movers from Los Angeles to Washington DC
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Los Angeles to Washington DC, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→MD movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Washington DC
Many movers find Washington DC easier on the wallet than Los Angeles - roughly 32% less for singles and 13% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,963 for one person in Washington DC versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it's $11,093 compared with $12,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Los Angeles | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- If you're heading to Washington DC from Los Angeles, you'll find that rent is roughly 19% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 75% less in Washington DC than in Los Angeles.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 36% higher in Washington DC than in Los Angeles, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Washington DC. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 32% lower than in Los Angeles.
- Choosing to move to Washington DC can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 13% less than in Los Angeles.
- Washington DC enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 34% lower compared to Los Angeles, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 37% in Washington DC compared to Los Angeles, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 57% less in Maryland than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Los Angeles and Washington DC:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Los Angeles than in Washington DC.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Los Angeles than in Washington DC.
- Eggs cost more in Los Angeles than in Washington DC.
- Bread is more expensive in Los Angeles than in Washington DC.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Los Angeles than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Los Angeles than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Washington DC
| Los Angeles | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 70 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Washington DC's population is about 82% less than Los Angeles.
- Washington DC's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Los Angeles's score of 8.
- Washington DC is more walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Los Angeles with a score of 60.37 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 39.63 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Los Angeles it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles to Washington DC move
- 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Maryland 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 Washington DC. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Washington DC
Now that you've decided to make the move to DC, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Washington DC.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Cleveland Park
- Foggy Bottom
- Logan Circle
Best neighborhoods for families
- AU-Tenleytown
- Chevy Chase
- Cleveland Park
- Georgetown
- The Palisades
Things to do in Washington DC
Once you're settled into your new home in Maryland, it's time to get out and discover what Washington DC has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Washington DC, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island 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 Washington Wizards (NBA)Washington Capitals (NHL)Washington Mystics (WNBA)D.C. Untied (MLS)Washington Commanders (NFL)DC Defenders (XFL)Old Glory DC (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
The best time to move from Los Angeles to Washington DC is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Washington DC, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Washington DC take?
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD covers 2,668 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Los Angeles movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Washington DC.
Which movers in Los Angeles give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 4 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Los Angeles?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 83 movers in Los Angeles advertise piano moving expertise. 72 movers in Los Angeles provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
