$1,595 Movers From Oakland to Washington DC

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Washington DC, MD averages from $1,894 to $9,560 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Oakland moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Washington DC, MD.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Washington DC to Oakland guide.

Moving from Oakland to Washington DC resources

Moving 2,805 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Washington DC?

Oakland movers charge $147 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,595 - $6,270 $1,662 - $4,100 $1,766 - $3,320
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,808 - $9,560 $3,006 - $5,977 $1,894 - $4,036
4+ bedrooms $8,524 - $14,956 $3,987 - $8,654 $2,442 - $5,260
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,805 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 Oakland to Washington DC will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oakland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Oakland to Washington DC?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Washington DC will cost between $1,595 to $6,270. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,808 to $9,560, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Oakland to Washington DC will cost from $8,524 to $14,956.

How much are moving container companies from Oakland to Washington DC?

Moving containers from Oakland to Washington DC will cost you $1,662 to $4,100 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,006 to $5,977. A larger home will cost $3,987 to $8,654.

How much is a moving truck from Oakland to Washington DC?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,766 to $3,320. A larger move will cost $1,894 to $4,036, and a four-bedroom move from Oakland to Washington DC costs from $2,442 to $5,260. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Oakland to Washington DC moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Oakland to Washington DC is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Oakland to Washington DC.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Oakland to Washington DC

Cost of living: Oakland vs Washington DC

Oakland Washington DC
Average rent cost $2,290 $2,450
Average home value $774,077 $609,175
Average income (per capita) $85,628 $635,900
Cost of Living (single person) $2,995 $1,211
Cost of Living (family of 4) $8,007 $4,423
Unemployment rate 7.7% 7.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 6.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Washington DC are 7% higher than in Oakland.
  • Home prices in Washington DC are 21.3% lower than in Oakland.
  • Income in Washington DC is 642.6% higher than in Oakland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 59.6% lower than in Oakland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 44.8% lower than in Oakland.
  • The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 9.09% lower than in Oakland.
  • Sales taxes in Washington DC are 41.46% lower than in Oakland.
  • State income taxes in Washington DC are 56.77% lower than in Oakland.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,213.02 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How is life different in Oakland compared to Washington DC?

Washington DC Oakland
Population 689,545 440,646
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 8
Walkability score 77 75
Bike friendliness score 70 65
Crime Index 46.45 68.7
Safety Index 41.16 31.3
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Washington DC's population is about 56% greater than Oakland.
  • Washington DC's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Oakland's higher score of 8.
  • Washington DC is more walkable than Oakland with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
  • Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Oakland with a score of 70 out of 100 vs Oakland's 65.
  • Washington DC's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 46.45 compared to Oakland's 68.7. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.7%.
  • Washington DC is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 41.16 vs Oakland's 31.3.
  • Air quality in Washington DC is moderate, and in Oakland it's good.

Considerations for moving to Washington DC

  • 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 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.

Local Oakland movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
West Coast Moving Systems, Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
745 85th Ave, Oakland, CA, 94621
(510) 430-2667
NorthStar Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA, 94104
(415) 635-3844

Visit our best long distance movers in Oakland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in Washington DC

These are some of the best things to do in your new Maryland home.

  • Washington Monument
  • White House
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
  • National Mall
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Smithsonian National Zoo
  • The Pentagon
  • Library Of Congress
  • Capitol Hill
  • Smithsonian Institution Building
  • National Gallery of Art & the Sculpture Garden
  • International Spy Museum
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • National Museum of the American Indian & the Mitsitam Café
  • National Postal Museum
  • Penn Quarter
  • National Geographic Museum
  • National Archives Museum
  • National Museum of Health and Medicine
  • Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Get your sports on!

Washington DC is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Washington Wizards (NBA)
  • Washington Capitals (NHL)
  • Washington Mystics (WNBA)
  • D.C. Untied (MLS)
  • Washington Commanders (NFL)
  • DC Defenders (XFL)
  • Old Glory DC (MLR)

FAQs about moving from Oakland to Washington DC

When is the best time to move from Oakland to Washington DC?

The best time to move from Oakland to Washington DC is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 27ºF in Washington DC.

When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Washington DC?

Because most people are moving from Oakland to Washington DC in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Washington DC