Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD: Movers and Cost

Last Updated: Jan 19, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD averages from $2,182 to $7,982 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Washington DC, MD. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Washington DC to Los Angeles guide.

Best Los Angeles to Washington DC movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Los Angeles to Washington DC.
How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
Los Angeles to Washington DC car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 2,669 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Washington DC?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,332 - $5,617	$2,004 - $3,432	$2,014 - $2,651
2 - 3 bedrooms	$3,975 - $7,982	$3,525 - $5,364	$2,182 - $3,155
4+ bedrooms	$7,480 - $12,368	$4,874 - $6,910	$2,784 - $3,876

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,669 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Los Angeles to Washington DC will depend on:

Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Who Are The Best Los Angeles to Washington DC Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Los Angeles to Washington DC?

To ship furniture from Los Angeles to Washington DC with a mover will cost between $1,332 to $5,617. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $3,975 to $7,982, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Los Angeles to Washington DC will cost from $7,480 to $12,368.

How much are moving container companies from Los Angeles to Washington DC?

Moving containers from Los Angeles to Washington DC will cost you $2,004 to $3,432 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,525 to $5,364. A larger home will cost $4,874 to $6,910.

How much is a moving truck from Los Angeles to Washington DC?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $2,014 to $2,651. A larger move will cost $2,182 to $3,155, and a 4+ bedroom move from Los Angeles to Washington DC costs from $2,784 to $3,876.

How to ship a car from Los Angeles to Washington DC

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable Los Angeles to Washington DC car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
	Check prices	5 overall rating
	Check prices	4.75 overall rating
	Check prices	4.5 overall rating

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD a good idea?

Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs Washington DC

	Los Angeles	Washington DC
Average rent cost	$2,306	$2,250
Average home value	$2,110,111	$703,253
Average income (per capita)	$68,632	$92,266
Cost of Living (single person)	$1,060	$1,211
Cost of Living (family of 4)	$3,843	$4,423
Unemployment rate	11.0%	7.0%
Sales Tax	9.5%	6.0%
State Income Tax	13.3%	5.75%

source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo

Rent Prices in Washington DC, MD are 2% lower than in Los Angeles, CA.
Home Prices in Washington DC, MD are 66.7% lower than in Los Angeles, CA.
Income in Washington DC, MD is 34.4% higher than in Los Angeles, CA.
Cost of Living for a single person in Washington DC, MD is 14.2% higher than in Los Angeles, CA.
Cost of Living for a family in Washington DC, MD is 15.1% higher than in Los Angeles, CA.
Unemployment rate in Washington DC, MD is 36.36% lower than in Los Angeles, CA.
Sales Taxes in Washington DC, MD are 36.84% lower than in Los Angeles, CA.
State Income Taxes in Washington DC, MD are 56.77% lower than in Los Angeles, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,572.6 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.

How is life different in Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD?

	Washington DC	Los Angeles
Population	689,545	9,787,747
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score	9	8
Walkability score	77	69
Bike friendliness score	70	59
Crime Index	46.45	29.96
Safety Index	41.16	49.78
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Washington DC’s population is about 93% less than Los Angeles.
Washington DC’s public transportation is not as good as Los Angeles with a score of 9 vs 8.
Washington DC is more walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 77 vs 69.
Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Los Angeles with a score of 70 vs 59.
Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Los Angeles with a score of 46.45 compared to 29.96.
Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 41.16 vs 49.78.
Air Quality in Washington DC is Moderate, and in Los Angeles it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Washington DC, MD

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 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State Regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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 forward to Washington DC. Get started here.
Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Los Angeles Movers

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Seka Moving	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA, 90071 +13234834288
Move Central Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.72 overall rating	2466 E 16th St, Los Angeles, CA, 90021 +13238002230
ABC Moving Systems	Get A Quote	4.66 overall rating	11301 W Olympic Blvd #727, Los Angeles, CA, 90064 +13107463376