$1,446 Movers From Detroit to Washington DC

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Detroit, MI to Washington DC, MD averages from $544 to $6,304 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Detroit moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Washington DC, MD.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Washington DC to Detroit guide.

Moving from Detroit to Washington DC resources

Moving 521 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Washington DC?

Detroit movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,446 - $3,997 $772 - $1,802 $490 - $855
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,393 - $6,304 $1,452 - $2,615 $544 - $1,015
4+ bedrooms $4,713 - $9,881 $1,800 - $3,536 $613 - $1,338
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 521 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Detroit to Washington DC will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Detroit to Washington DC?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Washington DC will cost between $1,446 to $3,997. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,393 to $6,304, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to Washington DC will cost from $4,713 to $9,881.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to Washington DC?

Moving containers from Detroit to Washington DC will cost you $772 to $1,802 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,452 to $2,615. A larger home will cost $1,800 to $3,536.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to Washington DC?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $490 to $855. A larger move will cost $544 to $1,015, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to Washington DC costs from $613 to $1,338. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Detroit to Washington DC moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit to Washington DC is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Detroit to Washington DC.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Detroit to Washington DC

Cost of living: Detroit vs Washington DC

Detroit Washington DC
Average rent cost $1,200 $2,450
Average home value $65,800 $609,175
Average income (per capita) $34,762 $635,900
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $1,211
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $4,423
Unemployment rate 10.0% 7.0%
Sales Tax 6.0% 6.0%
State Income Tax 4.25% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Washington DC are 104% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in Washington DC are 825.8% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Washington DC is 1,729.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 25.0% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 32.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 30.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Washington DC and Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Washington DC are 35.29% higher than in Detroit.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,749.23 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How is life different in Detroit compared to Washington DC?

Washington DC Detroit
Population 689,545 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 77 51
Bike friendliness score 70 52
Crime Index 46.45 55.84
Safety Index 41.16 25.97
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Washington DC's population is about 8% greater than Detroit.
  • Washington DC's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Washington DC is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 70 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
  • Washington DC's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 46.45 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
  • Washington DC is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 41.16 vs Detroit's 25.97.
  • Air quality in Washington DC is moderate, and in Detroit it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Washington DC

  • Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat..
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maryland 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 Washington DC. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen 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.

Local Detroit movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Palmer Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091
(586) 834-3400
Handy Relocations Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.28 overall rating
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor , Detroit, MI, 48207
(313) 649-4917

Visit our best long distance movers in Detroit page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Washington DC

Now that you've decided to make the move to "DC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Washington DC.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Adams Morgan
  • Capitol Hill
  • Cleveland Park
  • Foggy Bottom
  • Logan Circle

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • AU-Tenleytown
  • Chevy Chase
  • Cleveland Park
  • Georgetown
  • The Palisades

What to do in Washington DC

These are some of the best things to do in your new Maryland home.

  • Washington Monument
  • White House
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
  • National Mall
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Smithsonian National Zoo
  • The Pentagon
  • Library Of Congress
  • Capitol Hill
  • Smithsonian Institution Building
  • National Gallery of Art & the Sculpture Garden
  • International Spy Museum
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • National Museum of the American Indian & the Mitsitam Café
  • National Postal Museum
  • Penn Quarter
  • National Geographic Museum
  • National Archives Museum
  • National Museum of Health and Medicine
  • Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Get your sports on!

Washington DC is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Washington Wizards (NBA)
  • Washington Capitals (NHL)
  • Washington Mystics (WNBA)
  • D.C. Untied (MLS)
  • Washington Commanders (NFL)
  • DC Defenders (XFL)
  • Old Glory DC (MLR)

FAQs about moving from Detroit to Washington DC

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

The best time to move from Detroit to Washington DC is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 27ºF in Washington DC.

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

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

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Washington DC