Movers

Washington to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 2,687 mile interstate move from Washington to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high rain fall vs mild winters), food & health (like Salmon vs Half-smoke), real estate & housing (craftsman, northwest contemporary vs victorian, federal), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes, politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Grilled salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Half-smoke & Ben's Chili Bowl Chili
  • DC housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in DC is 21.70% more expensive than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to DC will cost on average between $2,500 - $10,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

Washington to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to DC

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High rain fall
  • Limited nightlife
  • Spread-out cities
  • Higher gas prices
ProsDC iconDC
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant culture scene
  • Convenient public transport
  • Walkable neighborhoods

DC iconDC
  • Urban density
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busy urban lifestyle
Washington iconWashington
  • Natural landscapes
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Lower cost of living
  • Local wineries

Pros of moving from Washington to DC

  • Say goodbye to high rainfall and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited nightlife and moving to DC with a vibrant cultural scene
  • Swap the spread-out cities of Washington for convenient public transport in DC
  • Get ready for walkable neighborhoods in DC

Cons of moving from Washington to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from natural landscapes in Washington to live with urban density in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of traffic congestion
  • Time to bid farewell to a lower cost of living and get used to a higher cost of living in DC
  • Swap local wineries for a busy urban lifestyle

Washington vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonDC
Most iconic local food itemSalmonHalf-smoke
Most popular meat dishGrilled salmonBen's Chili Bowl Chili
Most popular street food itemHot DogsFalafel
Most popular vegan foodVegan PhoImpossible Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Wild Ginger
  • Matt's Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury
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 Washington to DC, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Half-smoke of DC. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Grilled Salmon and sumptuous Hot Dogs, DC residents know they have tasty Ben's Chili Bowl Chili and Falafel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Pho they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Impossible Burger of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Wild Ginger, and Matt's Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge. 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, Zaytinya, and Rose's Luxury.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and DC

ComparisonWashingtonDC
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, Northwest ContemporaryVictorian, Federal
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 listingGreen spaces, ViewsProximity to metro, Historic charm
  • The Craftsman and Northwest Contemporary architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Federal architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference green spaces and views, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and historic charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Washington.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Washington.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Washington.
  • DC housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in DC is 21.70% more expensive than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonDC
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 DisastersVolcanoes, EarthquakesHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75/5589/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/3647/30
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3840
Annual Snowfall (Inches)515.4
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to DC. DC gets 34% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible volcanoes and earthquakes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in DC.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 14 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. DC

ComparisonWashingtonDC
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policies on environment and social issuesFocus on home rule and statehood issues
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedDiverse religious landscape with Christianity being predominant
  • Washington tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • DC's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape with Christianity being predominant
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to DC

ComparisonWashingtonDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Gonzaga University
Georgetown University
Howard University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Bertschi School (Seattle)
Lafayette Elementary School (Washington)
Mann Elementary School (Washington)
Janney Elementary School (Washington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)
Washington Middle School (Seattle)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (Washington)
Top 3 High SchoolsLakeside School (Seattle)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Garfield High School (Seattle)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
Wilson High School (Washington)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda)
Sidwell Friends (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Seattle Country Day School (Seattle)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Maret School (Washington)
St. Albans School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
DC Public Schools

How Much Do Washington to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 2,687 miles from Washington to DC 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.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $10,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,726300 ft3$9.09
1 Bedroom$4,066450 ft3$9.04
2 Bedrooms$6,740750 ft3$8.99
3 Bedrooms$9,8301100 ft3$8.94
4 Bedrooms$14,2181600 ft3$8.89
5+ Bedrooms$15,9051800 ft3$8.84

Top Washington to DC Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Washington to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details