($830+) Dallas, TX to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from Dallas, TX, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $830 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,746 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,328 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,198, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,746 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,224 - $4,455, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $830 - $2,278.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dallas, TX, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,774 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Dallas, TX to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Dallas to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,774 - $6,286 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 68% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,328 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,328-mile route from Dallas to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,198 - $5,035 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,224 - $2,282), rental truck ($830 - $1,570), or freight trailer ($1,206 - $2,205). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,774 - $6,286 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,746.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dallas, TX to Washington DC, MD
Hiring full-service movers from Dallas, Texas, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $2,198 and $8,746. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,328-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $361 - $2,408, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Dallas and Washington DC. For a rough baseline, movers based in Dallas tend to start around $179 plus $60/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,198 - $5,035
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,774 - $6,286
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,045 - $8,746
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Dallas to Washington DC.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Dallas, TX to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Dallas movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $602 - $6,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $241 - $1,445/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $361 - $2,890 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,204 - $3,612 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,010 - $12,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $902 - $1,713 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $1,204 - $3,010 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $963 - $4,214 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $361 - $1,806 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $783 - $2,408 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $361 - $18,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $361 - $4,214+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dallas to Washington DC?
Maryland Motor Truck Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Maryland, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Dallas, TX, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Dallas, TX to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Dallas, Texas, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,224 and $4,455. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Dallas typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dallas to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,224 - $2,282
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,728 - $3,351
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,255 - $4,455
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $843 in Dallas, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $90 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $181 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Washington DC, MD, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to Maryland move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,224. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,728 - $3,351.
What are the best moving containers Dallas to Washington DC?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Dallas to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Dallas:
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dallas, TX to Washington DC, MD
Truck rentals from Dallas, Texas, to Washington DC, Maryland, range from $830 - $2,278 for the 1,328-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $509 - $581
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Dallas daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dallas to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $830 - $1,570
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $897 - $1,905
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,073 - $2,278
Pro tip: A rental truck from Dallas to Washington DC looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $830 - $2,278. But once you factor in fuel ($509 - $581), overnight lodging ($181/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $181 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Dallas, Texas, usually costs about $843 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,328-mile drive falls between $509 and $581, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $60 and $361 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dallas to Washington DC?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Dallas, TX to Washington DC, MD
For larger DIY moves from Dallas, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Washington DC, Maryland.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,343 and $2,735.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,206 - $2,205
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,343 - $2,735
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,707
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $90 and $181.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Dallas, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $843.
What are the best freight companies from Dallas to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Washington DC fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Washington DC, MD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with Dallas on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,774/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $303,018 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $67,760/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 46/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 48.6/100 | 39.63/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC, MD to Dallas, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Maryland in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 843 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,328-mile route.
Our take
The 1,328-mile move from Dallas, TX, to Washington DC, MD, costs between $2,198 and $8,746 with full-service movers, $1,224 - $4,455 with a moving container, and $830 - $2,278 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,774 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Dallas, TX, to Washington DC, MD
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Dallas?
Local movers based in Dallas typically start around $179 as a base rate, plus $60/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Washington DC run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Maryland?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Washington DC?
For families, AU-Tenleytown, Chevy Chase, and Cleveland Park are worth a look in Washington DC. If you're moving solo or without kids, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, and Cleveland Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Washington DC?
Washington DC has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 46 and 49 in Dallas. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.