Local moving companies in Washington DC
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Movers Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Misplaced or lost items
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
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Lack of communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
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
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 2105554
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2105554
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Rushed job
- Unexpected charges
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
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Affordable rates
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Higher-than-expected costs
Company Info
State license #: 3183719
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3183719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Boston
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Boston
Moving from Washington DC to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Boston is generally more expensive than Washington DC, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
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) | $3,963 | $4,820 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $11,304 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Boston are 42% higher than in Washington DC, which means you'll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money 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, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 21.6% higher than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 1.9% higher than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Boston is 11.43% lower than in Washington DC.
- You'll spend more on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the city's 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 $3,648.75 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 |
- 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities โ 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Massachusetts doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Massachusetts home, it's time to see what Boston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ there's plenty to check out:
- 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, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.
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.