Moving from Washington DC to Jacksonville: Cost and Tips
Aspects of your move like when you move, where in Jacksonville you’re moving, and the size of your move all matter. Use this guide to learn what you should expect to pay for your Washington DC to Jacksonville relocation.
With the rising costs of our nation’s capitol, it’s no wonder people are moving out.
Fleeing an inflated cost of living?
The last thing you’ll want to do is overpay on your move!
So… wondering how much it’ll be to move from DC to Jacksonville, Florida?
Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Washington DC to Jacksonville is $2,500-$3,800 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.
Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.
Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your cross country move?
Let’s dive right in.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Washington DC to Jacksonville?
Based on the size of your move, you can use the moving cost calculator to compare costs.
| Moving Company | Moving Container | Freight Company | Truck Rental* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bedroom | $1,500-$1,850 | $1,510-$2,039 | $998-$1,418 | $887-$1,197 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2,230-$3,800 | $2,258-$3,048 | $1,188-$1,688 | $1,045-$1,411 |
| 4+ bedroom | $2,990-$5,750 | $2,805-$3,787 | $1,330-$1,890 | $1,235-$1,667 |
*Estimates for truck rentals include fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.
Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?
Professional moving companies can be expensive, but that’s because they load and unload the truck and do all the driving from Washington DC to Jacksonville. You can save money by moving yourself. While renting a truck is less expensive, you have to do all the physical labor yourself. And don’t forget about that long, interstate drive.
Other options may be to hire a moving container or freight company. You load and unload the moving container, and they do the driving. Less than pro movers, but without the stress of a road trip.
Inbound vs. Outbound State Demands Impacts Price
Where you’re moving also matters. Washington DC. may be losing population for a lot of reasons. Florida, particularly Jacksonville might be gaining new residents.
Moving companies of every type will reduce the cost if they can move more customers at the same time to the same place. You might save by sharing a move with other like-minded individuals leaving DC for Jacksonville.
Offseason vs Peak Moving Season Impacts Price
When you move is probably the most critical factor for your moving budget. Moving during peak moving season can cost you a lot. The moving industry increases its rates during the period of late spring to summer.
If you can plan your move during offseason (fall, winter, or early spring) you can save. Everyone from professional movers to freight companies are reducing their costs during this slow time.
To get an idea of how dramatically different costs can be during the two periods of time, compare the costs of the same move during moving season (spring) and during the offseason in July. This is a professional move from Washington DC to Jacksonville.
- March 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $1,500-$1,850
- July 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $4,735-$9.435
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Why Are People Moving from Washington DC to Jacksonville?
Washington DC is plagued with high housing costs. A drive to increase upscale housing in the area leaves reasonable rents and mortgages out of the picture for most. More than half a million people left DC in the past ten years.
Jacksonville, Florida offers the opposite. More affordable housing is plentiful. Jacksonville is also a family-friendly city with lots to do with kids. Jacksonville is also fairly close to other metro areas in Florida, so commuting to work is much easier than downtown DC.
Best Places to Move in Jacksonville, Florida
Northside
Located close to downtown, this family-friendly suburb offers an easy commute to the zoo and parks. You can find reasonably priced homes on one-acre lots. It’s a great place to build your dream home on a budget. Northside is one of the best places for first time home buyers.
Riverside
Riverside is the historic part of Jacksonville. You will find oak-shaded streets and early American architecture. But Riverside does not live in the past. You can find trendy clubs and restaurants here too. Young professionals love this area for its youthful vibe. You will also find lots of doctors and nurses living in the area because of their work at St. Vincent’s hospital, so good healthcare is also just around the block.
Southside
This area of Jacksonville is in rapid growth mode. Low crime rates and good schools have earned their reputation as one of the best family communities in Jacksonville. New parks and recreation areas and golf courses continue to be developed. The housing market is diverse, ranging from highly affordable to pricey, so there is something for everyone’s budget. The downside is heavy commuter traffic. But otherwise, a nice place to raise a family.
San Marco
San Marco is the entertainment district of Jacksonville, Florida. You will find hip shops and artsy outlets. Historic estates from Jacksonville’s past are perched net to upscale cafes. Young professionals in the art scene are the dominant group, but families find this area pleasing as well with a focus on diversity and creativity. Think of the Piazza San Marco in Venice transported to the USA.
The Beaches
The beach area properties are pricey, but if you can afford it the environment and the activities keep your days and nights vibrant. The median price of a single-family home at the beach is north of $300,000. That’s not on the ocean, but close.
There is a diverse mix of people in the area. You will find retirees walking their dogs, young professionals rollerblading, and new families building sandcastles. The big attraction is proximity to the ocean. For some that’s all that matters, so you will pay a bit more for housing.
Orange Park
For more reasonable housing costs that aren’t as close to the city, consider Orange Park. There is room for growth in Orange Park with two-acre residential lots ready for your dream home. The area population includes military families from the local naval station and others looking to find a plot of land to call their own for the right price.
Beach Haven
This family-friendly area is only 15 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from downtown Jacksonville. Beach Haven offers the perfect blend of leisure and work convenience. Both are nearby. It has lately become the mecca for families and retirees
East Arlington
The attraction of East Arlington has been the exceptionally low crimes rates and even lower housing prices. East Arlington is considered one of the safest cities in Florida. And with housing prices around $179,483, there are not too many downsides to the community.
Secret Cove
Starter families love Secret Cove for its safety and its affordability. It’s only 15 minutes from metro Jacksonville. First time home buyers and young professionals just beginning their careers in Florida will find this the best place to settle down.
A blend of restaurants and breweries are a big attraction to younger folks, and the ample shopping and family restaurants give mom and dad a place to take the kids.
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