Moving from Baltimore to Washington DC, MD
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Quick answer: Moving from Baltimore to Washington DC costs between $37 to $3,724 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 38-mile route within Maryland take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Baltimore to Washington DC
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Baltimore to Washington DC are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Baltimore to driving and unloading in Washington DC, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 38 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $747 - $2,545 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $391 - $1,076 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $115 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Bellhop Moving | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Baltimore to Washington DC?
It costs between $37 to $3,724 to move from Baltimore to Washington DC. The prices below break down your 38-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $409 - $3,724
- Moving containers: $129 - $1,487
- Rental trucks: $37 - $153
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $409 - $1,346 | $129 - $855 | $37 - $92 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $747 - $2,545 | $391 - $1,076 | $49 - $115 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,263 - $3,724 | $792 - $1,487 | $63 - $153 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $279 - $2,325+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $186 - $744 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $47 - $186 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Baltimore to Washington DC
At 38 miles, your Baltimore to Washington DC move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Baltimore to Washington DC. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Maryland, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 38 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
495 Movers, Inc is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Baltimore to Washington DC. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 83.7% of their 410 verified reviews are positive.
More Maryland moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC to Baltimore guide.
Considerations when moving from Baltimore to Washington DC
Cost of living: Baltimore vs. Washington DC
When comparing the cost of living between Baltimore and Washington DC, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Washington DC stacks up against Baltimore.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Baltimore | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| Average home cost | $216,384 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,623 | $101,027 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 50% higher than in Baltimore. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Washington DC are 175% higher than in Baltimore, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 69% higher than in Baltimore. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Washington DC are 78% higher than in Baltimore, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 118% higher than in Baltimore. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Washington DC one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Washington DC is 11% lower than in Baltimore. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Washington DC and Baltimore, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,340 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Washington DC
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Washington DC vs. Baltimore. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Baltimore | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 585,708 | 672,079 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 42" | 43" |
| Annual snow | 19" | 14" |
| Crime index | 72.72 | 60.37 |
Washington DC sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Washington DC is around 15% bigger than Baltimore. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Washington DC leaned Republican, while Baltimore went Democratic.
- Both Washington DC and Baltimore average summer highs close to 89°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Baltimore and Washington DC experience similar winter lows, with Baltimore reaching 27°F and Washington DC getting down to 27°F.
- Both Baltimore and Washington DC see about the same yearly rainfall—Baltimore averages 42 inches, while Washington DC gets 43 inches each year.
- Both Baltimore and Washington DC get about the same amount of snow annually—Baltimore averages 19 inches, while Washington DC gets 14 inches.
- Washington DC is safer than Baltimore, boasting a lower crime index of 60.37 compared to Baltimore’s 72.72.
Things to do in Washington DC
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Washington DC has you covered.
Museums in Washington DC
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Gallery of Art
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National Air and Space Museum
Parks in Washington DC
- National Mall
- National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden
- Rock Creek Park
- Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
- The Yards Park
Sports teams in Washington DC
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- Washington Mystics (WNBA)
- D.C. Untied (MLS)
- Washington Commanders (NFL)
Universities in Washington DC
- American University
- Catholic University of America
- Gallaudet University
- George Washington University
- Georgetown University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Baltimore to Washington DC?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Baltimore to Washington DC, expect to pay between $339 and $1,044 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $747 and $2,545. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,263 up to $3,724 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Baltimore to Washington DC?
If you’re moving from Baltimore to Washington DC and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $111 and go up to $838. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $391 and $1,076. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $792 and $1,487.
How much is a moving truck from Baltimore 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 one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $36 to $93. A larger move will cost $49 to $115, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Baltimore to Washington DC costs from $63 to $153.
How far in advance should I book Baltimore-to-Washington DC movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Baltimore to Washington DC at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Baltimore-to-Washington DC movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Washington DC?
To save money on your move to Washington DC, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
