Key factors that influence moving costs from Augusta to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Augusta to Washington DC
Moving from Augusta to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Augusta, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Augusta | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $169,040 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $160,600 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,874 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,881 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 8.5% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 5.49% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 92% higher than in Augusta, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Augusta.
Home prices in Washington DC are 251.6% higher than in Augusta. - Income in Washington DC is 36.7% lower than in Augusta, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top 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 111.5% higher than in Augusta. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 185.8% higher than in Augusta.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 34.62% higher than in Augusta.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโs sales taxes in Washington DC are 29.41% lower than in Augusta.
- State income taxes in Washington DC are 4.74% higher than in Augusta.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,344.18 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Augusta.
How life is different in Augusta vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Augusta | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 202,081 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 2 |
Walkability score | 77 | 22 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 33 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 48.46 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 51.54 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Washington DC is about 249% greater than Augusta, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Augusta, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 2 in Augusta. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Washington DC means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Augusta. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Augusta, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 22 out of 100 in Augusta. A cityโs 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 Augusta 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 Augusta is rated as 33 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in Augusta, 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 48.46 in Augusta. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Washington DC. With a crime index of 39.63, Washington DC ranks lower in overall safety than Augusta, whose index is Augusta's 51.54. 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.
- The air quality in Washington DC and Augusta is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Augusta vs. Washington DC move
- 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 youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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.
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
Things to do in Washington DC
After settling into your new Maryland home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Washington DC has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- 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, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Air and Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), or D.C. Untied (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Augusta to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Augusta to Washington DC. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Augusta.
When is the cheapest time to move from Augusta to Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Augusta to Washington DC are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Augusta to Washington DC take?
Covering 549 miles, the move from Augusta, GA to Washington DC, MD typically takes one to six days. Some Augusta movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.