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

How we chose the best MD→CA movers

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 51 Maryland 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 Washington DC to Santa Clarita

Many movers find Santa Clarita easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 17% less for singles and 39% less for families.

Monthly basics average $3,290 for one person in Santa Clarita versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $6,722 compared with $11,093.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Washington DC	Santa Clarita
Average 1 BR rent	$2,568	$2,908
Average 3 BR rent	$5,417	$3,898
Average home value	$594,337	$804,740
Average income (per capita)	$101,722	$106,166
Cost of living (single)	$3,963	$3,290
Cost of living (family of four)	$11,093	$6,722
Unemployment rate	7.0%	9.6%
Sales tax	6.0%	9.5%
State income tax	5.75%	13.3%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is estimated to be 37% higher in Santa Clarita compared to Washington DC; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 35% greater in Santa Clarita than in Washington DC.
Fortunately, the average income in Santa Clarita and Washington DC is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Santa Clarita. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 17% lower than in Washington DC.
Choosing to move to Santa Clarita can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than in Washington DC.
In Santa Clarita, the unemployment rate is approximately 37% higher than in Washington DC, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
Sales taxes rise by 58% in Santa Clarita 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.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Washington DC and Santa Clarita:

Living Expense	Washington DC	Santa Clarita
Basic utilities	$191.62	$263.33
Cell phone plan	$65.80	$66.79
Dozen eggs	$4.67	$5.26
Loaf of bread	$4.43	$3.97
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$25.00	$18.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$120.00	$85.00
Gym membership	$103.76	$37.00

Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Santa Clarita, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Washington DC than in Santa Clarita.
Eggs are less expensive in Washington DC than in Santa Clarita.
Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Santa Clarita.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Santa Clarita.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Santa Clarita.
Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Santa Clarita.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Santa Clarita

	Washington DC	Santa Clarita
Population	672,079	228,673
Transportation score	9	5
Walkability score	77	35
Bike friendliness score	70	33
Crime index	60.37	35.92
Safety index	39.63	64.08
Air quality	Good	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Santa Clarita's population is about 66% less than Washington DC.
Santa Clarita's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
Santa Clarita is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
Santa Clarita has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
Santa Clarita's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 35.92 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Santa Clarita neighborhoods are safer than 35.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
Santa Clarita is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 64.08 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
Air quality in Santa Clarita is Moderate, and in Washington DC it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Santa Clarita 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: 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 Santa Clarita. 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.

Where to live in Santa Clarita

Now that you've decided to make the move to , these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Santa Clarita.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Valencia
Newhall
Canyon Country
Saugus
Stevenson Ranch

Best neighborhoods for families

Valencia
Saugus
Stevenson Ranch
Canyon Country
Newhall

Things to do in Santa Clarita

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

Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Santa Clarita, such as the William S. Hart Museum & Ranch, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, and The Olde World Emporium.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Santa Clarita Woodlands 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 FC Santa Claritai9 Sports Santa Clarita (flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball)Santa Clarita Sports Center (soccer)Santa Clarita Youth Sports (basketball, flag football, T-Ball/Softball, Volleyball) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Santa Clarita?

The best time to move from Washington DC to Santa Clarita is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.

When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Santa Clarita?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC to Santa Clarita, 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 Washington DC to Santa Clarita take?

Moving from Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA covers 2,665 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Santa Clarita.

Which movers in Washington DC give price breaks?

Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 7 movers give special rates to military members. 14 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 Washington DC?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 59 movers in Washington DC advertise piano moving expertise. 44 movers in Washington DC provide antique moving services. State totals show 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.