$1,218 Movers from Boston to Washington DC

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Boston, MA to Washington DC, MD averages from $471 to $5,715 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Washington DC, MD. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Washington DC to Boston guide.

Moving From Boston to Washington DC

Moving 437 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best Boston to Washington DC Moving Companies

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
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(855) 929-4120

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Boston to Washington DC?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,218 - $3,525 $752 - $1,805 $438 - $806
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,151 - $5,715 $1,360 - $2,613 $471 - $956
4+ bedrooms $3,668 - $8,264 $1,806 - $3,343 $586 - $1,149
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 437 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 Boston to Washington DC will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Boston to Washington DC?

To ship furniture from Boston to Washington DC with a mover will cost between $1,218 to $3,525. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,151 to $5,715, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Boston to Washington DC will cost from $3,668 to $8,264.

How much are moving container companies from Boston to Washington DC?

Moving containers from Boston to Washington DC will cost you $752 to $1,805 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,360 to $2,613. A larger home will cost $1,806 to $3,343.

How much is a moving truck from Boston to Washington DC?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $438 to $806. A larger move will cost $471 to $956, and a 4+ bedroom move from Boston to Washington DC costs from $586 to $1,149.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Boston, MA to Washington DC, MD

Cost of Living: Boston vs Washington DC

Boston Washington DC
Average rent cost $2,525 $2,250
Average home value $718,756 $703,253
Average income (per capita) $79,018 $92,266
Cost of Living (single person) $1,159 $1,211
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,173 $4,423
Unemployment rate 6.0% 7.0%
Sales Tax 6.25% 6.0%
State Income Tax 5.0% 5.75%
  • Rent Prices in Washington DC, MD are 11% lower than in Boston, MA.
  • Home Prices in Washington DC, MD are 2.2% lower than in Boston, MA.
  • Income in Washington DC, MD is 16.8% higher than in Boston, MA.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in Washington DC, MD is 4.5% higher than in Boston, MA.
  • Cost of Living for a family in Washington DC, MD is 6.0% higher than in Boston, MA.
  • Unemployment rate in Washington DC, MD is 16.67% higher than in Boston, MA.
  • Sales Taxes in Washington DC, MD are 4.00% lower than in Boston, MA.
  • State Income Taxes in Washington DC, MD are 15.00% higher than in Boston, MA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,865.4 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.

How is life different in Boston, MA to Washington DC, MD?

Washington DC Boston
Population 689,545 675,647
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 77 98
Bike friendliness score 70 86
Crime Index 46.45 26.45
Safety Index 41.16 62.78
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Washington DC’s population is about 2% 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 vs 98.
  • Washington DC is less bike-friendly than Boston with a score of 70 vs 86.
  • Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 46.45 compared to 26.45.
  • Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 41.16 vs 62.78.
  • Air Quality in Washington DC is Moderate, and in Boston it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Washington DC, MD

  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 forward to Washington DC. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Boston Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Poseidon Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
45 Longwood Ave, Brookline, MA, 5244
(617) 470-9950
Oscar's Moving Company, LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
86 Rowe St, Auburndale, MA, 02466
(617) 202-9566

Visit our Best Movers in Boston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Washington DC, MD

Now that you've decided to make the move to "DC", these are the best neighborhoods in Washington DC to move to.

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

Moving to The “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 DC is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Washington Wizards (NBA)
  • Washington Capitals (NHL)
  • Washington Mystics (WNBA)
  • D.C. Untied (MLS)
  • Washington Commanders (NFL)
  • DC Defenders (XFL)
  • Old Glory DC (MLR)

FAQs about moving from Boston to Washington DC

When is the best time to move from Boston to Washington DC?

The best time to move from Boston to Washington DC is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 27ºF in Washington DC.

When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Washington DC?

Because most people are moving from Boston to Washington DC in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on getting discounts on moving services to learn more.

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Learn more about Washington DC