Key factors that influence moving costs from Overland Park to Washington DCtoggle

The cost of Overland Park movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Overland Park to Washington DC might cost just $1,450 for a one-bedroom, but up to $8,355 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Overland Park, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $818 and $2,099, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Overland Park to Washington DC

Moving from Overland Park to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Overland Park, itโ€™s 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:

Overland Park Washington DC
Average rent cost $1,554 $2,400
Average home value $432,656 $594,337
Average income (per capita) $64,446 $101,722
Cost of living (single person) $2,433 $3,963
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,813 $11,093
Unemployment rate 3.0% 7.0%
Sales tax 9.61% 6.0%
State income tax 5.7% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Washington DC are 54% higher than in Overland Park, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Overland Park.
    Home prices in Washington DC are 37.4% higher than in Overland Park.
  • Income in Washington DC is 57.8% higher than in Overland Park, so you could earn more 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 62.9% higher than in Overland Park. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 130.5% higher than in Overland Park.
  • The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 133.33% higher than in Overland Park.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Washington DC are 37.57% lower than in Overland Park.
  • State income taxes are the same in Washington DC and Overland Park.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,886.56 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Overland Park.

How life is different in Overland Park vs. Washington DC

Washington DC Overland Park
Population 705,749 197,238
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 2
Walkability score 77 35
Bike friendliness score 70 46
Crime Index 60.37 24.73
Safety Index 39.63 75.27
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Washington DC is about 258% greater than Overland Park, 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 Overland Park, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 2 in Overland Park. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Washington DC means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Overland Park. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Overland Park, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Overland Park. A cityโ€™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 Overland Park 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 Overland Park is rated as 46 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in Overland Park, 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 24.73 in Overland Park. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™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 Overland Park, whose index is Overland Park's 75.27. 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 Overland Park 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 Overland Park 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • 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 youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Maryland moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maryland doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Washington DC. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Washington DC

Ready to relocate to "DC"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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

Now that you've made the move to Maryland, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Washington DC. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Washington DC, such as 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 cityโ€™s National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Overland Park to Washington DC?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Overland Park to Washington DC. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Overland Park.

When is the cheapest time to move from Overland Park to Washington DC?

Because spring and fall moves from Overland Park 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 Overland Park to Washington DC take?

Covering 1,064 miles, the move from Overland Park, KS to Washington DC, MD typically takes two to eight days. Some Overland Park movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources