($260+) Washington DC, MD to New York City, NY Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Washington DC, MD to NYC

Moving from Washington DC, MD, to NYC, runs anywhere from $252 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,830 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 224 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $942, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,830 or more.
  • Moving containers run $813 - $2,496, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $252 - $654.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to NYC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,521 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to NYC

There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to NYC: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,521 - $4,204. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 224-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 224-mile route from Washington DC to NYC, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $942 - $3,339 $813 - $1,524 $252 - $482 $762 - $1,345
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,521 - $4,204 $1,070 - $1,947 $291 - $581 $890 - $1,656
4+ bedrooms $1,921 - $5,830 $1,490 - $2,496 $368 - $654 $1,182 - $2,078

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to NYC

For the 224-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to NYC, New York, full-service movers cost between $942 and $5,830. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $478 - $3,188 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Washington DC generally start around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to NYC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $942 - $3,339
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,521 - $4,204
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,921 - $5,830

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 Washington DC to NYC.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to NYC

Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New York City, 93% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$797 - $7,970
Storage in transitNew place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$319 - $1,913/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$478 - $3,826
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$1,594 - $4,782
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,985 - $15,940
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,194 - $2,268
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,594 - $3,985
PianoAny piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,275 - $5,579
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers$478 - $2,391
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc$1,036 - $3,188
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$478 - $23,910+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$478 - $5,579+

What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to NYC?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

How much do local movers cost in Washington DC, MD?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to NYC with a local mover averages $1,506 - $4,162. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Washington DC, MD often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.

Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.

495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Washington DC, ranked #1 in Maryland, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.

Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009

Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to NYC

Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to NYC, New York, cost between $813 and $2,496. 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 Washington DC costs roughly $100/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to NYC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $813 - $1,524
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,070 - $1,947
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,490 - $2,496

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Washington DC, MD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,116, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $120 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $239 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, and NYC, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland to New York 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 $813. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,070 - $1,947, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Washington DC to NYC?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:

  • BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
  • Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
  • Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to NYC

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 224 miles from Washington DC, Maryland, to NYC, New York, running $252 - $654. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $114 - $130
  • Daily insurance: $48/day
  • Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
  • Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to NYC based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $252 - $482
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $291 - $581
  • 4+ bedrooms: $368 - $654

Pro tip: The base rate of $252 - $654 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Washington DC to NYC. Fuel ($114 - $130) , lodging at around $239/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,116.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $114 - $130 for the 224-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $96 and $518, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $239 per night for hotel stops on the 224-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $478 - $717.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to NYC?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Washington DC, MD to NYC

For larger DIY moves from Washington DC, Maryland, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to NYC, New York.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $890 and $1,656.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to NYC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $762 - $1,345
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $890 - $1,656
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,182 - $2,078

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $120 - $239 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about five hours typically runs $1,116.

What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to NYC?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
  3. Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Washington DC to NYC. 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: Washington DC, MD vs NYC

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in NYC, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Washington DC, MD NYC
Cost of living index151172
Average rent$2,400/mo$4,340/mo
Median home value$594,337$732,100
Average income$101,027/yr$127,894/yr
Unemployment rate7.0%11.2%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 10.9%
Walkability score77/10088/100
Safety index39.63/10049.17/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New York City, NY to Washington DC, MD guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to New York over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 52 movers in our Maryland network to compare for this 224-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Washington DC, MD, to NYC, 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 $942 - $5,830 on the 224-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $813 - $2,496 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $252 - $654 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,521 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to NYC tend to point to ample economic opportunity and diverse cuisine, though overcrowded and pollution come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include IBM and PepsiCo.

FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to NYC, NY

What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to NYC?

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. New York also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to NYC take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 ($114 - $130), daily insurance ($48/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $239/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to NYC?

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 $291 - $581. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to NYC?

Costs on this route range from around $942 to $5,830, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $942 and $5,830, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.