($1,846) Movers From Tacoma, WA to Washington DC, MD

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Washington DC

Moving from Tacoma to Washington DC means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tacoma than in Washington DC, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tacoma compares to Washington DC so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Washington DC are 46% higher than in Tacoma, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Tacoma.
  Home prices in Washington DC are 24.5% higher than in Tacoma.
• Income in Washington DC is 38.7% higher than in Tacoma, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Washington DC include Department of Homeland Security, US Navy, and United States Postal Service.
• The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 4.1% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Washington DC, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 52.8% higher than in Tacoma.
• The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 4.11% lower than in Tacoma.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the city’s sales taxes in Washington DC are 41.75% lower than in Tacoma.
• State income taxes in Washington DC are 5.75% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,876.60 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Washington DC

• The population of Washington DC is about 215% greater than Tacoma, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Tacoma, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in Tacoma. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Washington DC means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Tacoma. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Tacoma, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 54 out of 100 in Tacoma. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Washington DC is considered more bike-friendly than Tacoma in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while Tacoma is rated as 48 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in Tacoma, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 60.37 in Washington DC, it is 55.55 in Tacoma. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Washington DC. With a crime index of 39.63, Washington DC ranks lower in overall safety than Tacoma, whose index is Tacoma's 44.45. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Washington DC and Tacoma is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma vs. Washington DC move

• Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Maryland doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Washington DC without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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.

Helpful moving resources