OH to DC Moving Specialists

Ohio to DC Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 443 mile interstate move from Ohio to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited public transit vs extensive metro system), food & health (like Cincinnati Chili vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (ranch, colonial vs federal, row houses), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cincinnati Chili and Polish Boy, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce with Wings
  • DC housing costs are 178% more expensive than they are in Ohio
  • Rent in DC is 65.76% more expensive than in Ohio
  • Moving from Ohio to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Ohio to DC movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
Ohio to DC featured image

Top Ohio to DC Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Ohio to DC 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 Ohio to DC

9.81/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

9.61/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
Exceptional

Ohio to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to DC

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • Limited public transit
  • Car dependent commutes
  • Fewer federal jobs
  • Lower salary ceilings
  • Fewer major museums
  • Smaller arts scene
  • Less global cuisine
  • Fewer nonstop flights
  • Limited policy networking
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Flatter urban density
  • Fewer embassy events
ProsDC iconDC
  • Extensive Metro system
  • Walkable neighborhoods
  • Abundant federal careers
  • Higher earning potential
  • Free Smithsonian museums
  • Vibrant cultural calendar
  • Diverse international dining
  • Three major airports
  • Policy networking hub
  • Lively nightlife options
  • Bustling urban energy
  • Embassy row access

DC iconDC
  • Higher housing costs
  • Expensive daily expenses
  • Scarce parking spots
  • Longer average commutes
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Fast paced lifestyle
  • Hot humid summers
  • Higher local taxes
  • Higher childcare costs
  • Frequent resident turnover
  • Crowded urban density
  • Complex parking rules
Ohio iconOhio
  • Affordable housing
  • Lower cost of living
  • Easier street parking
  • Shorter commute times
  • Spacious homes and yards
  • Slower pace of life
  • Less summer humidity
  • Lower local taxes
  • Lower childcare costs
  • Strong community roots
  • Lower population density
  • Simple driving logistics

Pros of moving from Ohio to DC

  • Say goodbye to limited public transit and hello to the extensive Metro system
  • Look forward to moving away from car-dependent commutes and moving to DC with walkable neighborhoods
  • Swap the fewer federal jobs of Ohio for abundant federal careers in DC
  • Get ready for higher earning potential in DC

Cons of moving from Ohio to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Ohio to live with higher housing costs in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of expensive daily expenses
  • Time to bid farewell to easier street parking and get used to scarce parking spots in DC
  • Swap shorter commute times for longer average commutes

Ohio vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOhioDC
Most iconic local food itemCincinnati ChiliHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishPolish BoyMumbo Sauce with Wings
Most popular street food itemBuckeye CandyFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan ChiliQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slyman's Restaurant
  • Schmidt's Sausage Haus
  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Le Diplomate
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 Ohio to DC, you will be trading the iconic Cincinnati Chili of Ohio for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Polish Boy and sumptuous Buckeye Candy, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce with Wings and Food Truck 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 Quinoa Salad of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Slyman's Restaurant, Schmidt's Sausage Haus, and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. 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, Rose's Luxury, and Le Diplomate.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and DC

ComparisonOhioDC
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, ColonialFederal, Row Houses
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 listingSpacious yards, Family-friendlyProximity to Metro, Eco-friendly features
  • The Ranch and Colonial architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Row Houses architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and family-friendly features, DC real estate listings often highlight aspects like proximity to metro stations and eco-friendly amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; DC is more walkable than Ohio.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; DC is more bike-friendly than Ohio.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Ohio.
  • DC housing costs are 178% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
  • Rent in DC is 65.76% more expensive than in Ohio.

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

ComparisonOhioDC
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 DisastersTornados, FloodsHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F/63Β°F87Β°F/71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36Β°F/22Β°F47Β°F/30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3943
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2815
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to DC. DC gets 15% more sunshine days than Ohio.
  • DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in DC.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 4 degrees warmer than in Ohio.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Ohio.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and DC

ComparisonOhioDC
Avg. Household Income$65,720$101,027
Cost of Living Index92.85140.1
State Income Tax0-4.7974-10.75
Avg. Property Tax1.570.55
Avg. Sales Tax7.236
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, FinanceGovernment, Professional Services, Education
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyAverageLower than average
HomelessnessLower than averageHigher than average
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 54% more than those in Ohio
  • The COLI in DC is 51% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
  • The state income tax in DC is 4-10.75 compared to 0-4.797 in OH
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate affluence in Ohio
  • The poverty level is lower than average in DC compared to average poverty in Ohio
  • In terms of homelessness, it is lower than average in Ohio and higher than average in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. DC

ComparisonOhioDC
Political Make-upBattleground state, mixed Republican and DemocratStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMix of conservative and liberal local policiesProgressive policies and governance
ReligionChristian majority with diverse religious communitiesChristian majority, varied religious presence
  • Ohio tends to lean as a battleground state, with a mixed Republican and Democrat political climate.
  • DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic.
  • DC's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a varied religious presence.
  • Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities.

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to DC

ComparisonOhioDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)The Ohio State University
Columbus
George Washington University
Washington
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWindermere Elementary School
Upper Arlington
Maury Elementary School
Washington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBexley Middle School
Bexley
Deal Middle School
Washington
Top 3 High School SchoolsOttawa Hills High School
Toledo
School Without Walls High School
Washington
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Wellington School
Columbus
Gonzaga College High School
Washington
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsColumbus Academy
Gahanna
Sidwell Friends School
Washington
Top 3 School DistrictsIndian Hill Exempted Village School District
Cincinnati
District of Columbia Public Schools
Washington

How Much Do Ohio to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 443 miles from Ohio to DC 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,454300 ft3$4.85
1 Bedroom$2,158450 ft3$4.80
2 Bedrooms$3,559750 ft3$4.75
3 Bedrooms$5,1651100 ft3$4.70
4 Bedrooms$7,4331600 ft3$4.65
5+ Bedrooms$8,2721800 ft3$4.60