Local moving companies in Boston
- Oscar's Moving Company: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 31320
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1637689
Alternate Names: Oscar's Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
Company Info
State license #: 31321
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1696867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Affordable rates
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Boston to Washington DC
Moving from Boston to Washington DC means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Washington DC, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to Washington DC so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Boston | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,400 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $739,121 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 6.25% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 9.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 29% lower than in Boston, 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 19.6% lower than in Boston. - You’re likely to make a higher income living in Washington DC, where incomes are, on average, 14.0% higher than in Boston. Major employers in Washington DC include Department of Homeland Security, US Navy, and United States Postal Service.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Washington DC. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 17.8% lower than in Boston.
- A move to Washington DC can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 1.9% less than what it costs in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 12.90% higher than in Boston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the city's sales taxes in Washington DC are 4.00% lower than in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Washington DC is paying less in state income taxes, which are 36.11% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,466.60 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 675,647 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 9 |
Walkability score | 77 | 98 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 86 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 39.88 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 60.12 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Washington DC's population is about 4% greater than Boston.
- Washington DC's public transportation has a similar score to Boston.
- Washington DC is less walkable than Boston with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
- Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score 70 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 60.37 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 39.63 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Washington DC is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Maryland doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Washington DC without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
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 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: Cultural attractions in Washington DC include museums and art 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 city's National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Boston to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Boston to Washington DC. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Washington DC?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston to Washington DC moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Boston to Washington DC take?
Covering 436 miles, the move from Boston, MA to Washington DC, MD typically takes one to four days. Some Boston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Washington DC can help bridge the gap.