($1,293) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Washington DC, MD

1. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Washington DC

When planning a move to Washington DC from San Francisco, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,293 and $5,286. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,899 and $8,144 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,484 to $12,863.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Washington DC

When you’re heading from San Francisco to Washington DC, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,332 and $3,632. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,461 and $5,456. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,499 to $7,230. 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 San Francisco to Washington DC

A moving rental truck from San Francisco to Washington DC is generally 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 $1,612 to $2,858. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,613 to $3,509, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Francisco to Washington DC costs around $2,017 to $4,264.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 26% less expensive in Washington DC than in San Francisco, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 52% cheaper in Washington DC than in San Francisco.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 26% less in Washington DC than in San Francisco.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Washington DC and San Francisco, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
• When considering a family move to Washington DC, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 27% higher than in San Francisco.
• Washington DC has a higher unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 30%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 30% cheaper in Washington DC compared to San Francisco. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 57% less in Maryland compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Washington DC’s population is about 17% less than San Francisco.
• Washington DC’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
• Washington DC is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 77 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 out of 100.
• Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
• Washington DC and San Francisco have a similar crime rate with scores of 60.37 and 61.41, respectively.
• Washington DC and San Francisco have a similar safety level, with scores of 39.63 and 38.59.
• Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across San Francisco and Washington DC are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Maryland, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maryland, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to Maryland complete, you can dive right into experiencing Washington DC. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Washington DC is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, and United States Holocaust Memorial 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Washington Wizards (NBA)Washington Capitals (NHL)Washington Mystics (WNBA)D.C. Untied (MLS)Washington Commanders (NFL)DC Defenders (XFL)Old Glory DC (MLR) game.