DC to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Washington

ConsDC

• Expensive housing
• High humidity
• Heavy traffic
• Limited nature access

ProsWashington

• Affordable housing
• Mild climate
• Less congestion
• Proximity to mountains

---

Washington

• Less diversity
• Quieter nightlife
• Fewer landmarks
• Less public transit

DC

• Cultural diversity
• Vibrant nightlife
• Historical sites
• Easy transit

Pros of moving from DC to Washington

• Say goodbye to expensive housing and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Washington with a mild climate
• Swap the heavy traffic of DC for less congestion in Washington
• Get ready for proximity to mountains in Washington

Cons of moving from DC to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in DC to live with less diversity in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of quieter nightlife
• Time to bid farewell to historical sites and get used to fewer landmarks in Washington
• Swap easy transit for less public transit

DC vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, Washington residents know they have tasty Cedar Plank Salmon and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rosa's Thai Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Mamnoon, and The Herbfarm.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Washington

• The Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and historic charm, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like natural scenery and spacious layouts.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Washington is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Washington is less bike-friendly than DC.
• Washington has less of an urban feel than DC.
• Washington housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to DC’s $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in Washington is 17.83% more affordable than in DC.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Washington. Washington gets 25% fewer sunshine days than DC.
• Washington 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 volcanoes and earthquakes in Washington.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 14 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 2.2 fewer inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 10% less than in DC
• The COLI in Washington will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• The state income tax in WA is 0-9.5% compared to 8.5% in DC
• The affluence in Washington is moderate compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is low in Washington compared to moderate in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in DC and low in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Washington

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic in urban areas and Republican in rural areas
• Washington's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated overall
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with no single dominating religion

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Washington

How Much Do DC to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,686 miles from DC to Washington will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.