Movers

Ohio to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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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 colder winters vs milder winters), 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 Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to DC

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • Colder winters
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
ProsDC iconDC
  • Milder winters
  • Efficient metro system
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich cultural scene

DC iconDC
  • Higher living expenses
  • Higher noise levels
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Smaller living spaces
Ohio iconOhio
  • Lower cost of living
  • Quieter surroundings
  • Friendly communities
  • Spacious homes

Pros of moving from Ohio to DC

  • Say goodbye to colder winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to DC with an efficient metro system
  • Swap the fewer job opportunities of Ohio for a diverse job market in DC
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in DC

Cons of moving from Ohio to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Ohio to live with higher living expenses in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of quieter surroundings and have to settle for the con of higher noise levels
  • Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to a fast-paced lifestyle in DC
  • Swap spacious homes for smaller living spaces

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)Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Miami University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsIndian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati
Ottawa Hills Elementary
Toledo
Granville Elementary
Granville
Janney Elementary
Washington
Lafayette Elementary
Washington
Mann Elementary
Washington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBexley Middle School
Bexley
Granville Middle School
Granville
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High
Toledo
Deal Middle School
Washington
Hardy Middle School
Washington
Stuart-Hobson Middle School
Washington
Top 3 High SchoolsBexley High School
Bexley
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High
Toledo
Walnut Hills High School
Cincinnati
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Washington
School Without Walls High School
Washington
Wilson High School
Washington
Top 3 private high schoolsHawken School
Gates Mills
University School
Hunting Valley
The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
Georgetown Preparatory School
North Bethesda
Gonzaga College High School
Washington
St. Albans School
Washington
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Columbus Academy
Gahanna
The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
Western Reserve Academy
Hudson
Sidwell Friends School
Washington
Georgetown Day School
Washington
National Cathedral School
Washington
Top 3 School DistrictsIndian Hill Exempted Village School District
Cincinnati
Ottawa Hills Local Schools
Toledo
Beachwood City School District
Beachwood
DC Public Schools (specific performance varies by neighborhood
ward focus preferred)

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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/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

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
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