Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Boston

The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Washington DC to Boston can be as low as $1,237 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,971.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $453 to $1,138. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Boston

Washington DC Boston
Average rent cost $2,400 $3,400
Average home value $594,337 $739,121
Average income (per capita) $101,722 $89,212
Cost of living (single person) $1,424 $1,459
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,184 $5,331
Unemployment rate 7.0% 6.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.25%
State income tax 5.75% 9.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Boston are 42% higher than in Washington DC.
  • Home prices in Boston are 24.4% higher than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Boston is 12.3% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Boston is 2.5% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a family in Boston is 2.8% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston is 11.43% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Sales taxes in Boston are 4.17% higher than in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Boston are 56.52% higher than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,073.74 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Boston

Boston Washington DC
Population 675,647 705,749
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 98 77
Bike friendliness score 86 70
Crime Index 39.88 60.37
Safety Index 60.12 39.63
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Boston's population is about 4% less than Washington DC.
  • Boston's public transportation has a similar score to Washington DC.
  • 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 they are 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 vs. Boston move

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • 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: 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 verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts 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 forwarded to Boston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

After settling into your new Massachusetts home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Boston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Washington DC to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.

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

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

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

The 436-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Boston, MA, takes one to four 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 Boston.

Helpful moving resources

Washington DC moving services

Popular Maryland routes

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