Seattle, WA to Washington DC, MD Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Washington DC typically costs $5,100–$10,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,746 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Seattle to Washington DC
Moving from Seattle, WA to Washington DC, MD typically costs $5,100–$10,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,746-mile move from Seattle 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $6,748 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,827 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $13,528 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 29, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Seattle to Washington DC
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Seattle to Washington DC may only cost $3,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $15,900.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Seattle.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,800–$4,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Washington DC, MD to Seattle, WA guide.
Best Seattle to Washington DC movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Seattle to Washington DC
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Seattle to Washington DC. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 WA→MD movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 94 Washington moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Washington DC
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Washington DC runs about 6% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Seattle.
Singles spend around $3,963 in Washington DC versus $3,740 in Seattle; families pay $11,093 compared with $9,801.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Seattle | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 22% more expensive in Washington DC than in Seattle. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 29% cheaper in Washington DC than in Seattle.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 31% greater in Washington DC than in Seattle, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Washington DC, with the cost of living for a single person being 6% more than in Seattle. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Washington DC, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Seattle.
- Washington DC has a higher unemployment rate than Seattle by about 46%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 42% cheaper in Washington DC compared to Seattle. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Maryland has a state income tax, while Washington 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 the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Seattle versus Washington DC:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Seattle than in Washington DC.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Seattle than in Washington DC.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in Washington DC.
- Bread is more expensive in Seattle than in Washington DC.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Seattle than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Seattle than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Washington DC
| Seattle | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 70 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Washington DC's population is about 9% less than Seattle.
- Washington DC's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Seattle's score of 8.
- Washington DC and Seattle are similarly walkable.
- Both Washington DC and Seattle have similar bike-friendliness scores (71 vs 70), meaning Washington DC is about as safe for cyclists as Seattle. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Washington DC and Seattle have a similar crime rate with scores of 60.37 and 58.88, respectively.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 39.63 vs Seattle's 49.23.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Seattle it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Washington DC move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Maryland, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maryland, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington DC. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Washington DC
With your sights set on DC, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Maryland complete, you can dive right into experiencing Washington DC. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Washington DC is home to museums and cultural arts 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: The city's National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Seattle to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Seattle to Washington DC. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Washington DC?
Want to save on your move from Seattle to Washington DC? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Seattle to Washington DC take?
The 2,746-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Washington DC, MD, takes seven to 21 days. Some Seattle movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Washington DC.
What kinds of discounts do Seattle movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 3 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Seattle?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 47 movers in Seattle provide piano moving services. 35 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
