($1,565+) Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD ranges from $1,352 to $12,494, with an average cost of $4,750. Moves can be as low as $1,565 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,668 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Los Angeles to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,352 - $12,494 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,750, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,668 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,668-mile route from Los Angeles to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,352 - $5,922 | $1,945 - $3,663 | $1,519 - $2,853 | $1,786 - $3,331 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,095 - $8,310 | $2,547 - $5,256 | $1,762 - $3,432 | $2,058 - $4,120 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,552 - $12,494 | $3,510 - $7,086 | $2,142 - $4,387 | $2,752 - $5,958 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,668-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, with prices running from $1,352 - $12,494. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $473 - $3,152 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Los Angeles and Washington DC are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Los Angeles movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,352 - $5,922
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,095 - $8,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,552 - $12,494
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 Los Angeles to Washington DC.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Maryland. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Washington DC, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $788 - $7,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $315 - $1,891/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $473 - $3,782 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage41% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,576 - $4,728 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,940 - $15,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,180 - $2,243 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,576 - $3,940 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,261 - $5,516 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $473 - $2,364 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,024 - $3,152 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $473 - $23,640+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $473 - $5,516+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
Look for Maryland Motor Truck Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Maryland beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Los Angeles, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,945 and $7,086. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Los Angeles typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,945 - $3,663
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,547 - $5,256
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,510 - $7,086
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,103 in Los Angeles, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $118 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $236 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Washington DC, MD, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Maryland 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 $1,945. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,547 - $5,256, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles to Washington DC?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
A rental truck for this 2,668-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $1,519 and $4,387. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,338 - $1,529
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,519 - $2,853
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,762 - $3,432
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,142 - $4,387
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,519 - $4,387 when pricing out a rental truck from Los Angeles to Washington DC. Fuel alone runs ($1,338 - $1,529) , and overnight lodging ($236/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $118 and $552.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $236.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,338 and $1,529 for the 2,668-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,103 for 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Los Angeles, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,058 and $4,120.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,786 - $3,331
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,058 - $4,120
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,752 - $5,958
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $118 and $236.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,103.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Washington DC quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA vs Washington DC, MD
Los Angeles and Washington DC land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 162 in Los Angeles and 151 in Washington DC, and rent tracks closely too ($2,960/mo vs. $2,400/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (69 vs 77) and safety scores (46.19 vs 39.63) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC, MD to Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Maryland, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,668-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Los Angeles, CA, to Washington DC, MD, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,352 for a studio to $12,494 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,668-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,945 - $7,086. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,519 - $4,387, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $4,095 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Los Angeles, CA, to Washington DC, MD
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Washington DC, MD?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Maryland?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,338 - $1,529), daily insurance ($47/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $236/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Washington DC?
Washington DC has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
