$1,579 Movers From San Francisco to Washington DC

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Apr 1, 2024 • 5 min read
Fact Checked by: Erika Marty

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Washington DC, MD averages from $1,913 to $9,745 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco guide.

Moving from San Francisco to Washington DC resources

• Best San Francisco to Washington DC movers: We've handpicked the best moving companies from San Francisco to Washington DC.
• Moving cost: Use our moving cost 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.
• San Francisco to Washington DC car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 2,812 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Washington DC?

San Francisco movers charge $150 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,812 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco to Washington DC?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Washington DC will cost between $1,579 to $6,662. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,669 to $9,745, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Francisco to Washington DC will cost from $8,611 to $13,662.

How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Washington DC?

Moving containers from San Francisco to Washington DC will cost you $1,580 to $4,223 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,772 to $5,977. A larger home will cost $4,108 to $8,238.

How much is a moving truck from San Francisco 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 $1,784 to $3,390. A larger move will cost $1,913 to $4,161, and a four-bedroom move from San Francisco to Washington DC costs from $2,591 to $4,903. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best San Francisco to Washington DC moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Washington DC.

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing Mayzlin Relocation rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Family owned East coast focus Affordable pricing Get A Quote (980) 217-6841 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves North American Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 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 San Francisco to Washington DC

Cost of living: San Francisco vs Washington DC

• Rent prices in Washington DC are 24% lower than in San Francisco.
• Home prices in Washington DC are 50.6% lower than in San Francisco.
• Income in Washington DC is 403.9% higher than in San Francisco.
• The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 68.5% lower than in San Francisco.
• The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 50.8% lower than in San Francisco.
• The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 29.63% higher than in San Francisco.
• Sales taxes in Washington DC are 30.48% lower than in San Francisco.
• State income taxes in Washington DC are 56.77% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $946.09 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How is life different in San Francisco compared to Washington DC?

• Washington DC's population is about 15% less than San Francisco.
• Washington DC's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower 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 is less bike-friendly than San Francisco with a score of 70 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99.
• Washington DC's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 46.45 compared to San Francisco's 54.33. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 54.33%.
• Washington DC is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 41.16 vs San Francisco's 37.9.
• Air quality in Washington DC is moderate, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

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 San Francisco movers

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Luigy's Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.9 overall rating	5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94112 (415) 413-4646
Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080 (415) 544-7000
Good Green Moving	Get A Quote	4.8 overall rating	1355 Market Street Suite 488, San Francisco, CA, 94103 (855) 613-4663

Visit our best long distance movers in San Francisco 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 Wizards (NBA)
• Washington Capitals (NHL)
• Washington Mystics (WNBA)
• D.C. Untied (MLS)
• Washington Commanders (NFL)
• DC Defenders (XFL)
• Old Glory DC (MLR)

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Washington DC

• How Much do Washington DC Movers Cost?
• How Much Does It Cost To Move to Maryland?
• Who’s Moving Into and Out of Washington DC?
• Washington DC: Surrounding Neighborhoods Guide
• What is the cost of living in Washington DC?
• Tips for Moving to Washington, D.C.: 7 Things To Know
• Best Washington DC Moving Companies
• The Best Maryland Moving Companies