Moving from Washington DC to Baltimore, MD
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Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Baltimore costs between $40 to $4,037 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 Washington DC to Baltimore
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Washington DC to Baltimore are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Washington DC to driving and unloading in Baltimore, 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 | $763 - $2,628 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $380 - $1,189 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $47 - $124 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | BoxStar Movers | $85/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 Washington DC to Baltimore?
It costs between $40 to $4,037 to move from Washington DC to Baltimore. The prices below break down your 38-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $466 - $4,037
- Moving containers: $128 - $1,644
- Rental trucks: $40 - $144
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $466 - $1,295 | $128 - $781 | $40 - $97 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $763 - $2,628 | $380 - $1,189 | $47 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,291 - $4,037 | $768 - $1,644 | $64 - $144 |
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 | $453 - $3,775+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $302 - $1,208 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $76 - $302 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Washington DC to Baltimore
At 38 miles, your Washington DC to Baltimore 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 Washington DC to Baltimore. 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 Washington DC to Baltimore. 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 Baltimore to Washington DC guide.
Considerations when moving from Washington DC to Baltimore
Cost of living: Washington DC vs. Baltimore
When comparing the cost of living between Washington DC and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore stacks up against Washington DC.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Washington DC | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,600 |
| Average home cost | $594,337 | $216,384 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,027 | $59,623 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $2,223 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $5,088 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent in Baltimore is about 33% cheaper than in Washington DC, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Baltimore are 64% lower than in Washington DC, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- Income in Baltimore is 41% lower than in Washington DC. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- Cost of living for one person in Baltimore is 44% lower than in Washington DC. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in Baltimore is 54% lower than in Washington DC. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in Baltimore is 13% higher than in Washington DC. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Baltimore and Washington DC, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,680 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Baltimore
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Baltimore vs. Washington DC. 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.
| Washington DC | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 585,708 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 43" | 42" |
| Annual snow | 14" | 19" |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 72.72 |
Baltimore sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Baltimore has about 13% fewer people than Washington DC. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Baltimore leaned Democratic, while Washington DC went Republican.
- Both Baltimore and Washington DC average summer highs close to 88°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Washington DC and Baltimore experience similar winter lows, with Washington DC reaching 27°F and Baltimore getting down to 27°F.
- Both Washington DC and Baltimore see about the same yearly rainfall—Washington DC averages 43 inches, while Baltimore gets 42 inches each year.
- Both Washington DC and Baltimore get about the same amount of snow annually—Washington DC averages 14 inches, while Baltimore gets 19 inches.
- Baltimore has a higher crime rate than Washington DC, with a crime index of 72.72 vs 60.37.
Things to do in Baltimore
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Baltimore has you covered.
Museums in Baltimore
- The Walters Art Museum
- American Visionary Art Museum
- Baltimore Museum of Art
- B&O Railroad Museum
- Baltimore Museum of Industry
Parks in Baltimore
- Federal Hill Park
- Patterson Park
- Canton Waterfront Park
- Leakin Park
- Druid Hill Park
Sports teams in Baltimore
- Baltimore Orioles (MLB)
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL)
Universities in Baltimore
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Maryland--Baltimore County
- Goucher College
- Loyola University Maryland
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Washington DC to Baltimore?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Washington DC to Baltimore, expect to pay between $361 and $1,121 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $763 and $2,628. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,291 up to $4,037 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to Baltimore?
If you’re moving from Washington DC to Baltimore and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $112 and go up to $798. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $380 and $1,189. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $768 and $1,644.
How much is a moving truck from Washington DC to Baltimore?
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 $38 to $96. A larger move will cost $47 to $124, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Washington DC to Baltimore costs from $64 to $144.
How far in advance should I book Washington DC-to-Baltimore movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Washington DC to Baltimore 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 Washington DC-to-Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
To save money on your move to Baltimore, 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.
