Top local movers for Washington DC to Boston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Washington DC that also provides long-distance services to Boston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 82 local movers in Washington DC who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Washington DC to Boston.
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
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
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services , BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Boston?
Movers in Maryland generally charge an average of $125 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,089 – $2,852 | $615 – $1,538 | $354 – $659 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,777 – $4,917 | $1,193 – $2,293 | $414 – $790 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,030 – $6,970 | $1,538 – $2,905 | $475 – $988 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington DC to Boston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Boston typically costs between $1,089 and $2,852. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,777 and $4,917 when moving from Washington DC to Boston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Washington DC to Boston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,030 up to $6,970.
Cost of moving containers from Washington DC to Boston
If you’re relocating from Washington DC to Boston, you’ll typically spend between $615 and $1,538 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,193 up to $2,293. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,538 and $2,905. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Boston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Washington DC to Boston move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $354 and $659. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $414 to $790. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $475 and $988.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Washington DC to Boston
The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Washington DC to Boston might be as low as $1,396, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,087.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Washington DC.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $354 to $882 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Boston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Boston runs about 22% higher for singles and 2% higher for families than Washington DC.
Singles spend around $4,820 in Washington DC versus $3,963 in Washington DC; families pay $11,304 compared with $11,093.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Washington DC | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $3,361 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $5,973 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $89,212 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $4,820 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $11,304 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 9.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 42% higher in Boston than in Washington DC, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 24% higher in Boston than in Washington DC.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 12% lower in Boston than in Washington DC.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Boston, as the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 22% greater than in Washington DC. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Boston and Washington DC, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 11% lower than Washington DC, Boston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Boston and Washington DC (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 57% higher in Massachusetts than in Maryland. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Washington DC and Boston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $4.07 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $77.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Boston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Boston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Washington DC than in Boston.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Boston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Washington DC than in Boston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Boston.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Boston
| Washington DC | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 675,647 |
| Transportation 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 |
- Boston’s population is within about 5% of Washington DC, so they’re very similar in size.
- Boston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Washington DC, making them very similar.
- Boston is more walkable than Washington DC with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Washington DC’s 77 out of 100.
- With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boston’s crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 39.88 compared to Washington DC’s 60.37. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Boston is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 60.12 vs Washington DC’s 39.63.
- Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Washington DC it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Boston move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Massachusetts, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Boston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Boston
Ready to relocate to Athens of America? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Boston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
Now that you’ve made the move to Massachusetts, it’s the perfect time to explore Boston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Boston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Boston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Washington DC to Boston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Boston?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC to Boston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Boston take?
Covering 436 miles, the move from Washington DC, MD to Boston, typically takes one to four days. Some Washington DC movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Boston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Washington DC offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 7 movers provide military discounts. 13 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Washington DC can handle specialty items for my move to Boston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Washington DC, 58 movers can handle pianos. 43 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MD, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Washington DC moving services
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