Movers

DC to Ohio Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 442 mile interstate move from DC to Ohio? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Ohio across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Half-Smoke vs Buckeye Candy), real estate & housing (victorian & colonial vs colonial & craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-Smoke and Mumbo Sauce on Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Buckeye Candy & Cincinnati Chili
  • Ohio housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Ohio is 39.67% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Ohio will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended DC to Ohio movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

DC to Ohio Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Ohio

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Intense political atmosphere
  • Winter snowstorms
ProsOhio iconOhio
  • Affordable housing
  • Less crowded roads
  • Quieter political environment
  • Milder winters

Ohio iconOhio
  • Fewer cultural attractions
  • Less historical significance
  • Quieter evening options
  • Limited public transport
DC iconDC
  • World-class museums
  • Rich historical landmarks
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Expansive metro system

Pros of moving from DC to Ohio

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Ohio with less crowded roads
  • Swap the intense political atmosphere of DC for a quieter political environment in Ohio
  • Get ready for milder winters in Ohio

Cons of moving from DC to Ohio

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from world-class museums in DC to live with fewer cultural attractions in Ohio
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich historical landmarks and have to settle for the con of less historical significance
  • Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to quieter evening options in Ohio
  • Swap an expansive metro system for limited public transport

DC vs. Ohio: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCOhio
Most iconic local food itemHalf-SmokeBuckeye Candy
Most popular meat dishMumbo Sauce on ChickenCincinnati Chili
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks Offering Various CuisinesPolish Boy Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodPlant-based BowlsVegan Pierogi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • minibar by JosΓ© AndrΓ©s
  • Fiola
  • Skyline Chili
  • Sokolowski's University Inn
  • The Refectory Restaurant & Wine Shop
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to Ohio, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Buckeye Candy of Ohio. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce on Chicken and sumptuous Food Trucks Offering Various Cuisines, Ohio residents know they have tasty Cincinnati Chili and Polish Boy Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Plant-based Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pierogi of Ohio. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, minibar by JosΓ© AndrΓ©s, and Fiola. After the boxes are unpacked in Ohio, don't wait too long before making your way to Ohio's acclaimed eateries like Skyline Chili, Sokolowski's University Inn, and The Refectory Restaurant and Wine Shop.

When comparing lifestyles, Ohio shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than DC. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Ohio compared to what you are used to in DC. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Ohio.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Ohio

ComparisonDCOhio
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian & ColonialColonial & Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHardwood floors, Metro accessSpacious yards, Proximity to parks
  • The Victorian and Colonial architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Ohio.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and metro access, Ohio real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and proximity to parks.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Ohio is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Ohio is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Ohio has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Ohio housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $223,135 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Ohio have increased by 49% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Ohio is 39.67% more affordable than in DC.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between DC and Ohio

ComparisonDCOhio
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/7183/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/2936/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4039
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.428
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Ohio. Ohio gets 13% fewer sunshine days than DC.
  • Ohio has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Ohio.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Ohio is 6 degrees colder than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees colder than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Ohio. Ohio receives 1 inch less of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Ohio

ComparisonDCOhio
Avg. Household Income$101,027$65,720
Cost of Living Index140.192.85
State Income Tax8.5%4.8%
Avg. Property Tax0.55%1.56%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7.25%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, HealthcareManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Ohio tend to earn about 35% less than in DC
  • The COLI in Ohio is 34% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in OH is 4.8% compared to 8.5% in DC
  • The affluence in Ohio is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is moderate in Ohio compared to low in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in DC and low in Ohio

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Ohio

ComparisonDCOhio
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticMix of Democratic and Republican
Local PoliticsUrban governance, focused on federal government proximityDiverse, with urban areas leaning Democratic and rural areas more Republican
ReligionVariety of religions, with no single dominanceChristianity is predominant, with a mix of other religions
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Ohio, on the other hand, is often described as a mix of Democratic and Republican
  • Ohio's religious environment can be described as Christianity being predominant, with a mix of other religions
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a variety of religions, with no single dominance

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Ohio

ComparisonDCOhio
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
The Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Ohio University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJanney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Eaton Elementary
Indian Hill Elementary
Terrace Park Elementary
Wyoming Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
McKinley Middle School
Mason Middle
Sycamore Junior High
Hudson Middle
Top 3 High SchoolsSchool Without Walls High School
Benjamin Banneker High School
McKinley Technology High School
Walnut Hills High School
Bexley High School
Solon High School
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School
St. Albans School
Georgetown Day School
Hawken School
University School
The Seven Hills School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsGeorgetown Day School
Sidwell Friends School
The Field School
The Columbus Academy
Western Reserve Academy
Hawken School
Top 3 School DistrictsDC Public SchoolsIndian Hill Exempted Village School District
Solon City School District
Ottawa Hills Local School District

How Much Do DC to Ohio Movers Cost?

Moving 442 miles from DC to Ohio will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,453300 ft3$4.84
1 Bedroom$2,157450 ft3$4.79
2 Bedrooms$3,558750 ft3$4.74
3 Bedrooms$5,1631100 ft3$4.69
4 Bedrooms$7,4301600 ft3$4.64
5+ Bedrooms$8,2681800 ft3$4.59

Top DC to Ohio Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best DC to Ohio movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for DC to Ohio

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details