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Massachusetts to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 427 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs federal, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Fried Chicken
  • DC housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Massachusetts
  • Rent in DC is 5.49% more affordable than in Massachusetts
  • Moving from Massachusetts to DC will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Massachusetts to DC movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Massachusetts to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to DC

ConsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Harsh winters
  • High property taxes
  • Limited public transport
  • Less nightlife
  • Small city vibe
ProsDC iconDC
  • Mild winters
  • Dynamic job market
  • Extensive metro network
  • Lively social scene
  • Large cultural scene

DC iconDC
  • Urban landscape
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Intense political climate
  • Hot, humid summers
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Beautiful fall foliage
  • Rich historical landmarks
  • Charming small towns
  • Strong education system
  • Proximity to beaches

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to DC

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to DC with a dynamic job market
  • Swap the limited public transport of Massachusetts for an extensive metro network in DC
  • Get ready for a lively social scene in DC

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful fall foliage in Massachusetts to live with an urban landscape in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich historical landmarks and have to settle with the con of a high cost of living
  • Time to bid farewell to charming small towns and get used to traffic congestion in DC
  • Swap a strong education system for an intense political climate

Massachusetts vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMassachusettsDC
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishLobster RollFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemFood TrucksFood Trucks
Most popular vegan foodVegan ChowderVegetable Grain Bowls
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Zaytinya
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 Massachusetts to DC, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Food Trucks, DC residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Food Trucks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Chowder they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Grain Bowls of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House, and Neptune Oyster. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Cafe, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and DC

ComparisonMassachusettsDC
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodFederal, Victorian
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 listingClose to parks/schools, spacious backyardProximity to metro, vibrant neighborhood
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference being close to parks and schools with spacious backyards, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and vibrant neighborhoods.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Massachusetts.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
  • DC housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
  • Rent in DC is 5.49% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

ComparisonMassachusettsDC
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 DisastersSnowstorms, Nor'eastersHeatwaves, Hurricanes
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate to Unhealthy
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F/60Β°F87Β°F/71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F/22Β°F47Β°F/29Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4840
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5115
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to DC. DC gets 2% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
  • DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and nor'easters in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential heatwaves and hurricanes in DC.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 7 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and DC

ComparisonMassachusettsDC
Avg. Household Income$94,488$101,027
Cost of Living Index121.55140.1
State Income Tax5.0%8.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.2%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax6.25%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, HealthcareGovernment, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceHighVery High
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessRisingIncreasing
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 7% more than in Massachusetts
  • The COLI in DC is 15% higher than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
  • The state income tax in DC is 8.5% compared to 5.0% in MA
  • The affluence in DC is very high compared to high in Massachusetts
  • The poverty level is moderate in DC compared to moderate in Massachusetts
  • In terms of homelessness, it is rising in Massachusetts and increasing in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. DC

ComparisonMassachusettsDC
Political Make-upLiberal-leaning; Democratic majorityStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsVaried; includes liberal and pockets of conservative communitiesHighly progressive local policies
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesVarious religious practices, with a notable presence of non-religious residents
  • Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal-leaning with a Democratic majority in its political climate
  • D.C., on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • D.C.'s religious environment can be described as having various religious practices, with a notable presence of non-religious residents
  • Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to DC

ComparisonMassachusettsDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMaria Hastings Elementary (Lexington)
Vineyard Montessori School (Vineyard Haven)
Bowman Elementary (Lexington)
Lafayette Elementary School (Washington)
Mann Elementary School (Washington)
Janney Elementary School (Washington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmigos School (Cambridge)
William Diamond Middle School (Lexington)
Jonas Clarke Middle School (Lexington)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
McKinley Middle School (Washington)
Top 3 High SchoolsBoston Latin School (Boston)
Lexington High School (Lexington)
Brookline High School (Brookline)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
Wilson High School (Washington)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBuckingham Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge)
Noble and Greenough School (Dedham)
Concord Academy (Concord)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington Public Schools
Newton Public Schools
Wellesley Public Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools

How Much Do Massachusetts to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 427 miles from Massachusetts to DC will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,228300 ft3$4.09
1 Bedroom$1,823450 ft3$4.05
2 Bedrooms$3,006750 ft3$4.01
3 Bedrooms$4,3621100 ft3$3.97
4 Bedrooms$6,2771600 ft3$3.92
5+ Bedrooms$6,9851800 ft3$3.88

Top Massachusetts to DC Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to DC

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Varsity Movers LLC featured image

Varsity Movers LLC

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details