Washington DC, MD to Jacksonville, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MD→FL movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 51 Maryland moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Jacksonville

Many movers find Jacksonville easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 32% less for singles and 40% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,696 for one person in Jacksonville versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $6,605 compared with $11,093.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

	Washington DC	Jacksonville
Average 1 BR rent	$2,568	$1,596
Average 3 BR rent	$5,417	$2,680
Average home value	$594,337	$287,628
Average income (per capita)	$101,722	$64,138
Cost of living (single)	$3,963	$2,696
Cost of living (family of four)	$11,093	$6,605
Unemployment rate	7.0%	4.9%
Sales tax	6.0%	7.5%
State income tax	5.75%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 37% less expensive in Jacksonville than in Washington DC, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 52% cheaper in Jacksonville than in Washington DC.
You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 37% less in Jacksonville than in Washington DC.
Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Jacksonville. The cost of living for a single person there is 32% below that of Washington DC.
A move to Jacksonville can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 40% lower compared to Washington DC.
Jacksonville has a lower unemployment rate than Washington DC by about 30%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
Sales taxes in Jacksonville surpass those in Washington DC by 25%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Washington DC versus Jacksonville:

Living Expense	Washington DC	Jacksonville
Basic utilities	$191.62	$188.34
Cell phone plan	$65.80	$42.92
Dozen eggs	$4.67	$4.52
Loaf of bread	$4.43	$3.82
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$25.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$120.00	$86.50
Gym membership	$103.76	$38.68

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Washington DC than in Jacksonville.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Jacksonville.
Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Jacksonville.
Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Jacksonville.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Jacksonville.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Jacksonville.
Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Jacksonville.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Jacksonville

	Washington DC	Jacksonville
Population	672,079	971,319
Transportation score	9	4
Walkability score	77	26
Bike friendliness score	70	41
Crime index	60.37	56.38
Safety index	39.63	43.62
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Jacksonville's population is about 45% greater than Washington DC.
Jacksonville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
Jacksonville is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
Jacksonville has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
Jacksonville's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 56.38 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
Jacksonville is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 43.62 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
Air quality in Jacksonville is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Jacksonville move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Florida, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Florida, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Jacksonville. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Jacksonville

With your sights set on Jax, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Jacksonville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Riverside
Brooklyn
Baymeadows
Secret Cove
South Riverside
Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

Beacon Hills & Harbour
Deercreek
Oceanway
Orange Park
Ortega Forest
Sandalwood

Things to do in Jacksonville

With your move to Florida complete, you can dive right into experiencing Jacksonville. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Jacksonville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

Want to save on your move from Washington DC to Jacksonville? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Washington DC to Jacksonville take?

The 705-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Jacksonville, FL, takes one to six days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Jacksonville.

What kinds of discounts do Washington DC movers offer?

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 7 movers offer special pricing for military members. 14 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Washington DC?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 59 movers in Washington DC provide piano moving services. 44 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.