($591) Cost to Move From Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC, MD

1. Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Washington DC

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Washington DC will cost between $591 and $2,222. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Philadelphia will range from $1,115 to $3,350, and a large move from Philadelphia to Washington DC will cost from $1,582 to $4,117.

Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Washington DC

If you’re moving from Philadelphia to Washington DC, expect to pay between $469 and $1,112 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $866 up to $1,600. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,113 and $1,939. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Washington DC

Renting a moving truck from Philadelphia to Washington DC is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $137 and $235. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $146 and $261. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $177 up to $302 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent is estimated to be 42% higher in Washington DC compared to Philadelphia; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
• Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 174% greater in Washington DC than in Philadelphia.
• Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 44% higher in Washington DC than in Philadelphia, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Washington DC, since the cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 56% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• When relocating to Washington DC, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 79% greater than in Philadelphia.
• Washington DC enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 34% lower compared to Philadelphia, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
• Sales taxes drop 25% in Washington DC compared to Philadelphia, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
• Income taxes are 87% higher in Maryland than in Pennsylvania, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Washington DC’s population is about 58% less than Philadelphia.
• Washington DC’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Philadelphia, making them very similar.
• Washington DC and Philadelphia are similarly walkable.
• Both Washington DC and Philadelphia have similar bike-friendliness scores (67 vs 70), meaning Washington DC is about as safe for cyclists as Philadelphia. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Washington DC’s crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 60.37 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
• Washington DC is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 39.63 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
• Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Maryland 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Washington DC. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in Maryland, it’s time to get out and discover what Washington DC has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Washington DC, such as 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: The city’s National Mall, National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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.