Top San Diego, CA to Washington DC, MD Movers

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

1. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
3. Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
5. One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from California to Maryland

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to Maryland, you can expect prices to land between $1,489 and $6,349. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,334 to $9,059 for the trip from CA to MD. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,315 and $14,305.

Cost of moving containers from California to Maryland

When you're heading from California to Maryland, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,610 and $3,896. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,859 and $5,961. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,865 to $7,728. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Maryland

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,673 and $3,145. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,848 and $3,937. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,290 and $4,973.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent prices in Washington DC are 17% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Washington DC.
  Home prices in Washington DC are 40.8% lower than in San Diego.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Washington DC, where incomes are, on average, 39.4% higher than in San Diego. Major 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 18.4% higher than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're 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 43.7% higher than in San Diego.
• The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 6.06% higher than in San Diego.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the city's sales taxes in Washington DC are 22.58% lower than in San Diego.
• One perk of moving to Washington DC is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.77% lower than in San Diego.

• Washington DC might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 49% less than San Diego.
• Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than San Diego, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in San Diego. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Washington DC means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in San Diego. Washington DC is considered more walkable than San Diego, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 53 out of 100 in San Diego. A city's 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 San Diego 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 San Diego is rated as 43 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in San Diego, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 60.37 in Washington DC, it is 39.83 in San Diego. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Washington DC. With a crime index of 39.63, Washington DC ranks lower in overall safety than San Diego, whose index is 60.17. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• You can breathe easy knowing that Washington DC has better air quality than in San Diego. Washington DC has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Diego. 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.

• 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: 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.

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

After getting comfortable in your new Maryland home, it's time to see what Washington DC is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• 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 city's National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park — among other spots — 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.