Key factors that influence moving costs from Little Rock to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Little Rock to Washington DC
Moving from Little Rock to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Little Rock, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Little Rock | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,100 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $209,020 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $56,928 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,756 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,149 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 8.63% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 2.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 118% higher than in Little Rock, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Little Rock.
Home prices in Washington DC are 184.3% higher than in Little Rock. - Income in Washington DC is 78.7% higher than in Little Rock, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Washington DC include Department of Homeland Security, US Navy, and United States Postal Service.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Washington DC, since the cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 125.7% higher than in Little Rock. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Washington DC, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 167.4% higher than in Little Rock.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 18.64% higher than in Little Rock.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโs sales taxes in Washington DC are 30.48% lower than in Little Rock.
- State income taxes in Washington DC are 187.50% higher than in Little Rock.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,770.50 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Little Rock.
How life is different in Little Rock vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Little Rock | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 202,591 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 3 |
Walkability score | 77 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 32 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 60.06 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 39.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Washington DC is about 248% greater than Little Rock, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Little Rock, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 3 in Little Rock. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Washington DC means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Little Rock. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Little Rock, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 33 out of 100 in Little Rock. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Washington DC is considered more bike-friendly than Little Rock in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while Little Rock is rated as 32 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Washington DC as Little Rock. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Washington DC is generally as safe as Little Rock, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Washington DC has better air quality than in Little Rock. Washington DC has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Little Rock. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Little Rock vs. Washington DC move
- Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Washington DC
Now that you've decided to make the move to "DC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Washington DC.
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
Once youโre settled into your new home in Maryland, itโs time to get out and discover what Washington DC has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Washington DC features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Air and Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), or D.C. Untied (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Little Rock to Washington DC. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Little Rock.
When is the cheapest time to move from Little Rock to Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Little Rock to Washington DC are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Little Rock to Washington DC take?
Covering 1,013 miles, the move from Little Rock, AR to Washington DC, MD typically takes two to eight days. Some Little Rock movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.