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The best local movers for Austin to Washington DC moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Austin that also handles long-distance moves to Washington DC. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 33 local movers in Austin who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Austin to Washington DC.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Washington DC?
The average hourly rate for movers in Texas is $131. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,256 – $5,013 | $1,034 – $2,374 | $908 – $1,809 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,809 – $6,844 | $1,830 – $3,428 | $924 – $1,948 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,035 – $9,837 | $2,442 – $4,720 | $1,285 – $2,455 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Washington DC
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Austin to Washington DC will cost between $1,256 and $5,013. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Austin to Austin will range from $2,809 to $6,844, and a large move from Austin to Washington DC will cost from $5,035 to $9,837.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Washington DC
If you’re moving from Austin to Washington DC, expect to pay between $1,034 and $2,374 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,830 up to $3,428. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,442 and $4,720. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Washington DC
Renting a moving truck from Austin 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 $908 and $1,809. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $924 and $1,948. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,285 up to $2,455 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Austin to Washington DC
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,517, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,162.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Austin, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($908–$2,334) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Austin to Washington DC
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Washington DC runs about 18% higher for singles and 42% higher for families than Austin.
Singles spend around $3,963 in Austin versus $3,345 in Austin; families pay $11,093 compared with $7,815.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Austin | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent is estimated to be 36% higher in Washington DC compared to Austin; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 17% greater in Washington DC than in Austin.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 49% higher in Washington DC than in Austin, 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 18% higher than in Austin. 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 42% greater than in Austin.
- In Washington DC, the unemployment rate is approximately 100% higher than in Austin, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 27% in Washington DC compared to Austin, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Maryland has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Austin and Washington DC:
| Living Expense | Austin | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Washington DC, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Austin than in Washington DC.
- Eggs are less expensive in Austin than in Washington DC.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Washington DC.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Austin than in Washington DC.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Austin than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Austin than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Austin vs. Washington DC
| Austin | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 70 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Washington DC’s population is about 31% less than Austin.
- Washington DC’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Austin’s score of 5.
- Washington DC is more walkable than Austin with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 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 Austin with a score of 60.37 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 39.63 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Washington DC move
- 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.
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
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Washington DC?
The best time to move from Austin to Washington DC is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Washington DC?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Austin to Washington DC, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Austin to Washington DC take?
Moving from Austin, TX to Washington DC, covers 1,522 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Austin movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Washington DC.
Which movers in Austin give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Austin?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 19 movers in Austin advertise piano moving expertise. 14 movers in Austin provide antique moving services. State totals show 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
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Austin moving services
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