($1,432+) Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD ranges from $1,326 to $11,308, with an average cost of $4,450. Moves can be as low as $1,432 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,668 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Los Angeles to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,326 - $11,308 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 33% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 59% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,668 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,668-mile route from Los Angeles to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,326 for a studio up to $11,308 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,890 - $6,479 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,432 - $4,138, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,667 - $5,565, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,668-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, with costs ranging from $1,326 - $11,308. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $473 - $3,152. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Los Angeles and Washington DC. Local movers in Los Angeles typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,326 - $5,644
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,673 - $7,300
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,194 - $11,308
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Los Angeles to Washington DC.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $788 - $7,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $315 - $1,891/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $473 - $3,782 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,576 - $4,728 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,940 - $15,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,180 - $2,243 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,576 - $3,940 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,261 - $5,516 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $473 - $2,364 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,024 - $3,152 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $473 - $23,640+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $473 - $5,516+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
Look for Maryland Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maryland beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Los Angeles, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,890 and $6,479. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Los Angeles costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,890 - $3,740
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,474 - $5,057
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,476 - $6,479
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Los Angeles, CA and Washington DC, MD. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,103 in Los Angeles, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $118 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $236 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Maryland move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,890. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,474 - $5,057.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to Washington DC?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Los Angeles to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Los Angeles:
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,668 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, running $1,432 - $4,138. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,338 - $1,529
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,432 - $2,861
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,504 - $3,406
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,040 - $4,138
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,432 - $4,138 does not include fuel ($1,338 - $1,529), lodging ($236/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Los Angeles to Washington DC typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,338 - $1,529 for the 2,668-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,103.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,668-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $236 per night, adding $473 - $709 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $79 and $473.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $2,018 and $4,127.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,667 - $3,238
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,018 - $4,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,728 - $5,565
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,103.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $118 and $236 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Los Angeles to Washington DC. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs Washington DC, MD
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Los Angeles and Washington DC to plan around. Cost of living index: 162 vs. 151. Average rent: $2,960/mo vs. $2,400/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 69 vs. 77. Safety index: 46.19 vs. 39.63.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC, MD to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Maryland, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,668-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Los Angeles, CA, to Washington DC, MD, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,326 - $11,308 on the 2,668-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,890 - $6,479 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,432 - $4,138 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,673 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Washington DC, MD
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,338 - $1,529), daily insurance ($47/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $236/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,504 - $3,406. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.