($1,398) Cost to Move From Seattle, WA to Washington DC, MD

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4. Seattle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
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Cost to hire movers from Seattle to Washington DC

When planning a move to Washington DC from Seattle, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,398 and $6,436. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,289 and $8,371 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,231 to $14,051.

Cost of moving containers from Seattle to Washington DC

When you’re heading from Seattle to Washington DC, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,377 and $3,294. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,395 and $5,101. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,236 to $6,745. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Seattle to Washington DC

A moving rental truck from Seattle to Washington DC is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,499 to $2,846. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,705 to $3,458, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Seattle to Washington DC costs around $1,990 to $4,286.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 22% more expensive in Washington DC than in Seattle. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 29% cheaper in Washington DC than in Seattle.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 31% greater in Washington DC than in Seattle, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Washington DC, with the cost of living for a single person being 6% more than in Seattle. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Washington DC, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Seattle.
• Washington DC has a higher unemployment rate than Seattle by about 46%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 42% cheaper in Washington DC compared to Seattle. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Maryland has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

• Washington DC’s population is about 9% less than Seattle.
• Washington DC’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Seattle’s score of 8.
• Washington DC and Seattle are similarly walkable.
• Both Washington DC and Seattle have similar bike-friendliness scores (71 vs 70), meaning Washington DC is about as safe for cyclists as Seattle. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Washington DC and Seattle have a similar crime rate with scores of 60.37 and 58.88, respectively.
• Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 39.63 vs Seattle’s 49.23.
• Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Seattle it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Seattle and Washington DC are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Maryland, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maryland, 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 Washington DC. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Maryland complete, you can dive right into experiencing Washington DC. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Washington DC is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — 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 Washington Wizards (NBA)Washington Capitals (NHL)Washington Mystics (WNBA)D.C. Untied (MLS)Washington Commanders (NFL)DC Defenders (XFL)Old Glory DC (MLR) game.