Washington DC, MD to Irvine, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Irvine typically costs $4,200–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,666 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Irvine
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Irvine, CA typically costs $4,200–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,666-mile move from Washington DC to Irvine, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,199 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,025 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,896 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 19, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 30, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Washington DC to Irvine
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Washington DC to Irvine may only cost $2,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,900.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Washington DC.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,700–$4,500), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Irvine, CA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Irvine movers by type
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Irvine
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Washington DC to Irvine. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 MD→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 51 Maryland moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Irvine
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Irvine runs about 131% higher for singles and 62% higher for families than Washington DC.
Singles spend around $9,167 in Irvine versus $3,963 in Washington DC; families pay $18,000 compared with $11,093.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Washington DC | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $2,719 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $4,575 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $1,561,760 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $114,027 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $9,167 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $18,000 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 67% more expensive in Irvine than in Washington DC. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 163% steeper in Irvine compared to Washington DC.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 12% greater in Irvine than in Washington DC, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Irvine, with the cost of living for a single person being 131% more than in Washington DC. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Irvine, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 62% higher than in Washington DC.
- Irvine has a lower unemployment rate than Washington DC by about 23%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Irvine surpass those in Washington DC by 29%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 131% more in California than in Maryland. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Washington DC versus Irvine:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.50 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $54.17 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Irvine, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Irvine.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Irvine.
- Bread costs less in Washington DC than in Irvine.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Irvine.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Irvine.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Irvine
| Washington DC | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 307,670 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 69 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 31.01 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 68.99 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Irvine's population is about 54% less than Washington DC.
- Irvine's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Irvine is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Both Irvine and Washington DC have similar bike-friendliness scores (70 vs 69), meaning Irvine 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.
- Irvine's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 31.01 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Irvine is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 68.99 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Irvine is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Irvine move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Irvine. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Irvine
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Irvine.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Westpark
- Westpark II
- Oak Creek
- Woodbridge
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Westpark II
- Turtle Rock
- Woodbridge
- South Irvine
- Northwood Point
Things to do in Irvine
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Irvine. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Irvine is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo)Adult Basketball LeaguesAdult Soccer LeaguesAdult Softball LeaguesTennis LeagueSand Volleyball LeagueKickball League game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Irvine?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Washington DC to Irvine. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Irvine?
Want to save on your move from Washington DC to Irvine? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Irvine take?
The 2,666-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Irvine, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Irvine.
What kinds of discounts do Washington DC movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 7 movers offer special pricing for military members. 14 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Washington DC?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 59 movers in Washington DC provide piano moving services. 44 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
