Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Top local movers for Cincinnati to Washington DC moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Cincinnati that also provides long-distance services to Washington DC can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 12 local movers in Cincinnati who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Cincinnati to Washington DC.
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Help
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00604903
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1878284
Alternate Names: Smooth Move Relocation Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Washington DC?
Movers in Ohio generally charge an average of $153 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 | $1,165 – $3,003 | $646 – $1,526 | $414 – $761 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,947 – $5,438 | $1,169 – $2,191 | $442 – $894 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,614 – $7,341 | $1,494 – $2,874 | $514 – $1,067 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Washington DC
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Washington DC typically costs between $1,165 and $3,003. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,947 and $5,438 when moving from Cincinnati to Washington DC. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Cincinnati to Washington DC, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,614 up to $7,341.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Washington DC
If you’re relocating from Cincinnati to Washington DC, you’ll typically spend between $646 and $1,526 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,169 up to $2,191. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,494 and $2,874. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Washington DC
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Cincinnati to Washington DC 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 $414 and $761. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $442 to $894. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $514 and $1,067.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Cincinnati to Washington DC
The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Cincinnati to Washington DC might be as low as $1,571, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,209.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Cincinnati.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $414 to $1,000 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Washington DC
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Washington DC runs about 61% higher for singles and 73% higher for families than Cincinnati.
Singles spend around $3,963 in Cincinnati versus $2,467 in Cincinnati; families pay $11,093 compared with $6,418.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cincinnati | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 5.75% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 66% higher in Washington DC than in Cincinnati, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 155% higher in Washington DC than in Cincinnati.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 55% higher in Washington DC than in Cincinnati, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Washington DC, as the cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 61% greater than in Cincinnati. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Washington DC, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 73% more than it is in Cincinnati.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC exceeds that of Cincinnati by about 43%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Washington DC than Cincinnati, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 64% higher in Maryland than in Ohio. 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 Cincinnati and Washington DC, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Washington DC, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cincinnati than in Washington DC.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in Washington DC.
- Bread costs less in Cincinnati than in Washington DC.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Washington DC.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Washington DC
| Cincinnati | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 70 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Washington DC’s population is about 117% greater than Cincinnati.
- Washington DC’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Washington DC is more walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Washington DC’s crime rate is higher than Cincinnati with a score of 60.37 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 39.63 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Washington DC 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: 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 check the status of a Maryland moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Maryland, 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 Washington DC 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, 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.
Where to live in Washington DC
Ready to relocate to DC? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Things to do in Washington DC
Now that you’ve made the move to Maryland, it’s the perfect time to explore Washington DC. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Washington DC include museums and art centers like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate National Mall, National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, 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 Washington Wizards (NBA)Washington Capitals (NHL)Washington Mystics (WNBA)D.C. Untied (MLS)Washington Commanders (NFL)DC Defenders (XFL)Old Glory DC (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Washington DC?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Cincinnati to Washington DC. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Cincinnati.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Washington DC?
With many people choosing to move from Cincinnati to Washington DC 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 Cincinnati to Washington DC take?
Covering 501 miles, the move from Cincinnati, OH to Washington DC, typically takes one to six days. Some Cincinnati movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Washington DC can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Cincinnati offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 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 Cincinnati can handle specialty items for my move to Washington DC?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Cincinnati, 3 movers can handle pianos. Compared to the rest of OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,299 and 1,464 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Cincinnati moving services
Popular Ohio routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
