Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Washington DC typically costs $700–$2,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 4 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Washington DC
Moving from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD typically costs $700–$2,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 4-mile move from Arlington to Washington DC, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $924 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $1,033 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,097 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 15, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Arlington to Washington DC
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $400, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $3,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Arlington, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($0–$100) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Washington DC, MD to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Washington DC movers by type
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Best professional movers from Arlington to Washington DC
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Arlington to Washington DC, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best VA→MD movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 103 Virginia moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Washington DC
Many movers find Washington DC easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 42% less for singles and 7% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,963 for one person in Washington DC versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $11,093 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.75% |
- If you're heading to Washington DC from Arlington, you'll find that rent is roughly 12% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 27% less in Washington DC than in Arlington.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 21% lower in Washington DC compared to Arlington.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Washington DC. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 42% lower than in Arlington.
- Choosing to move to Washington DC can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 7% less than in Arlington.
- In Washington DC, the unemployment rate is approximately 75% higher than in Arlington, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Washington DC and Arlington (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are on par between Maryland and Virginia, within a 5% range, providing a predictable deduction from your income as you change locations.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Arlington and Washington DC:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Arlington than in Washington DC.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Arlington than in Washington DC.
- Eggs are less expensive in Arlington than in Washington DC.
- Bread costs less in Arlington than in Washington DC.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Arlington than in Washington DC.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Arlington than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Arlington than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Washington DC
| Arlington | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 70 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Washington DC's population is about 182% greater than Arlington.
- Washington DC's public transportation score is within about 5% of Arlington, making them very similar.
- Washington DC is more walkable than Arlington with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
- Both Washington DC and Arlington have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 70), meaning Washington DC is about as safe for cyclists as Arlington. 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 higher than Arlington with a score of 60.37 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 39.63 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington 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 Arlington to Washington DC?
The best time to move from Arlington 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 Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Washington DC?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Arlington 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 Arlington to Washington DC take?
Moving from Arlington, VA to Washington DC, MD covers 4 miles and usually takes to days. Need to move faster? Some Arlington movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Washington DC.
Which movers in Arlington give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 7 movers give special rates to military members. 14 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 Arlington?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 57 movers in Arlington advertise piano moving expertise. 44 movers in Arlington provide antique moving services. State totals show 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
