Best Boston to Washington DC Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Boston to Washington DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 451 mile move from Massachusetts to DC go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 68 Boston to Washington DC moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Stairhopper Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Boston compared to Washington DC. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Boston to Washington DC Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stairhopper Movers | 9.66 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Centaur Moving | 9.60 | 9.79 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Mic's Moving | 9.59 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Intelligent labor & Moving | 9.51 | 9.55 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Boston to Washington DC
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 451 miles from Boston, MA to Washington DC, DC will cost on average $1,840 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Boston to Washington DC move is roughly $4,404. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,239 | 300 ft³ | 4.13 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,840 | 450 ft³ | 4.09 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,035 | 750 ft³ | 4.05 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,404 | 1100 ft³ | 4.00 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,338 | 1600 ft³ | 3.96 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,054 | 1800 ft³ | 3.92 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Washington DC to Boston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Boston to Washington DC Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Stairhopper Movers
20 Harvard St
Boston, MA, 2129
About Stairhopper Movers
Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and commercial moves....
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1696867 / 623045 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 22 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 261,200 (2022) |
Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave
Hyattsville, MD, 20781
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 21 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Centaur Moving
This listing has been claimed by Centaur Moving171 Windsor St
Cambridge, MA, 02139
About Centaur Moving
Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide moves....
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Relocations
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3638077 / 1249051 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2022) |
Mic's Moving
1250 9th st. nw
Washington DC, DC, 20011
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2474176 / 856657 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2019) |
Intelligent labor & Moving
18 Beck Rd
Arlington, MA, 2476
About Intelligent labor & Moving
Established in 2005, Intelligent Labor & Moving is a moving and storage company serving residential and corporate clients in the communities...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance and interstate moving services
- Cheap moving rates with two or three movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2065664 / 725481 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 43,583 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Boston vs. Washington DC Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease the transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Boston, MA & Washington DC, DC, using areas you know to introduce you to those you'll soon explore. Discover the unique vibe, culture, and community of your future neighborhood by seeing how it matches up with your current one.
| Boston | Washington DC | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Back Bay | Dupont Circle | Historic charm, vibrant nightlife |
| Beacon Hill | Georgetown | Cobblestone streets, upscale shopping |
| South End | Logan Circle | Diverse, artsy community |
| North End | Capitol Hill | Rich history, food scene |
| Jamaica Plain | Columbia Heights | Eclectic, vibrant cultural mix |
| Fenway | Adams Morgan | Young, lively atmosphere |
| Charlestown | Navy Yard | Waterfront views, modern amenities |
| Allston | U Street Corridor | Live music, dynamic nightlife |
| South Boston | Southwest Waterfront | Revitalized, maritime spirit |
| Dorchester | Petworth | Family-friendly, community-centric |
Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Dupont Circle, reminiscent of Boston’s Back Bay, with its vibrant nightlife and stately homes. If you appreciate the cobblestone streets and upscale shopping of Beacon Hill, you'll find a familiar sense of history and luxury in Georgetown. For those enchanted by the eclecticism of Jamaica Plain, Columbia Heights offers a similarly vibrant cultural tapestry, characterized by its diverse community and local arts scene. Fans of Fenway's youthful and lively atmosphere will feel at home in Adams Morgan, known for its bustling nightlife and strong sense of community. Lastly, if the waterfront views and evolving modernity of Charlestown appeal to you, Navy Yard will impress with its blend of historic charm and new development, featuring amenities like The Yards park and waterfront activities.
Things to Do in Washington DC
Visit the Smithsonian Museums for free.- Stroll around the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season.
- Catch a Nationals game at Nationals Park.
- Enjoy kayaking on the Potomac River.
- Explore historic Georgetown’s shops and alleyways.
- Hike or bike the scenic C&O Canal Towpath.
- Experience the nightlife in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Boston to Washington DC
Moving from Boston, MA to Washington DC, DC is a big step with its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of moving between these two pivotal cities . By weighing the pros and cons, you’ll get a clearer sense of what awaits you in your new home—whether that’s in terms of weather, community, or lifestyle.
Boston, MA- Higher living costs
- Harsh winters
- Smaller city feel
- Lesser political presence
Washington DC, DC- More affordable housing
- Milder winters
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Center of politics
Washington DC, DC- Less historical depth
- Spread out
- Weaker sports spirit
- Fewer academic institutions
Boston, MA- Richer colonial history
- More compact city
- Better sports culture
- Stronger academic vibe
In moving from Boston to Washington DC, you’ll find yourself leaving behind the tightly-knit neighborhoods like Beacon Hill with its brick rowhouses for the grand, sweeping avenues of DC, such as those in Georgetown. While Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace offers a unique shopping and dining experience reminiscent of old-world marketplaces, DC counters with the vast, open spaces of the National Mall, where history and democracy are palpably alive in the air. Both cities boast remarkable parks—Boston’s lush Boston Common and DC’s expansive Rock Creek Park—but the experience of each is distinct. Restaurants such as Boston’s Neptune Oyster provide intimate, seafood dining experiences, while DC’s dynamic food scene features spots like Zaytinya by chef José Andrés, offering innovative tapas in a chic setting. Each city has its own flavor, rhythm, and opportunities, making your move not just a change of address but a new chapter in life.
Boston vs. Washington DC Food Guide
Food is an integral part of experiencing local culture and getting a feel for life in a new area. With that in mind, we've put together a comparison to help you understand the food scene you'll be diving into when moving. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Boston & Washington DC to ensure you're well-informed about the culinary delights awaiting you.
| Boston | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Half-Smoke |
| Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Mumbo Sauce on Chicken |
| Most popular street food item | Cannoli | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Lobster Roll | Impossible Burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Boston to Washington DC, you'll notice a shift from the seafood-centric dishes like Clam Chowder and Lobster Rolls that Boston is famous for, to a more diverse culinary scene in DC, highlighting items like the Half-Smoke and internationally inspired street food, particularly Tacos. Boston's North End is renowned for its Italian cuisine, especially the Cannoli, while DC's food trucks offer a cosmopolitan array of choices. Notably, both cities boast a vibrant vegan scene, but DC slightly edges out with more vegan dining options. Iconic restaurants like Neptune Oyster in Boston and Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC offer a glimpse into the historical food culture specific to each city. Whether you're a food aficionado or just love to explore local cuisine, both cities offer tantalizing choices that reflect their unique cultural and historical backgrounds.
Boston vs. Washington DC Restaurant Comparison
Transitioning from Boston to Washington DC involves more than just a change in scenery; it's about finding new places that feel like home. To ease this transition, we've compiled a compare Boston's top restaurants to their closest equivalents in Washington DC, aiming to help you discover your new favorite dining spots.
| Boston | Washington DC | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| O Ya | Sushi Taro | High-end Japanese dining with an emphasis on intricacy and flavor. |
| Neptune Oyster | Hank's Oyster Bar | Both offer a wide array of fresh, high-quality seafood in a cozy setting. |
| Regina Pizzeria | 2Amys | Known for their authentic Neapolitan pizza, mirroring Regina's commitment to tradition. |
| Coppa | Bar Civita | A similar focus on Italian dishes with innovative twists and a strong wine list. |
| Mike's Pastry | Dolcezza | While known for their gelato, they also serve a variety of pastries with a creative flair. |
| Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Bakers & Baristas | A vibe that echoes Tatte's with its exceptional baked goods and coffee. |
| Toro | Boqueria | Spanish tapas bars that focus on small plates and vibrant atmospheres. |
| Uni | Komi | Offers a unique dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean and Japanese fusion. |
| Flour Bakery + Cafe | Levain Bakery | Both are beloved for their outstanding baked goods, especially their cookies. |
| The Daily Catch | Whaley's | They emphasize sustainable seafood prepared with a nod to local and Italian traditions. |
While moving cities can seem daunting, the transition can be sweetened by discovering new culinary delights that remind you of home. For instance, Sushi Taro in Washington DC stands out for its artful Japanese cuisine, drawing parallels to the beloved O Ya in Boston. Similarly, the transition from indulging in Regina Pizzeria's iconic slices to enjoying the authenticity of 2Amys' Neapolitan pizza can be seamless. This guide not only helps in finding new spots to love but also in celebrating the unique culinary character each city brings to your table.
Ready to start your move?
Boston vs. Washington DC Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts your move, especially when comparing cities. It's crucial to understand how Boston and Washington DC square off in terms of housing costs , architecture , walkability , and the urban lifestyle they offer. This comparison aims to provide you with a clearer picture.
| Comparison | Boston | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Federal and Victorian | Georgian and Beaux-Arts |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to universities, hospitals | Proximity to monuments, government buildings |
Boston and Washington DC present unique living experiences, each with its charm and challenges. Boston’s Federal and Victorian architecture reflects its rich history, while Washington DC’s Georgian and Beaux-Arts styles showcase the city’s stateliness. Walkability and bikeability scores indicate that both cities promote active lifestyles, albeit slightly differently. In Boston, the proximity to top-tier universities and hospitals often highlights real estate listings, showcasing the city's emphasis on education and healthcare. In contrast, Washington DC listings frequently mention closeness to iconic monuments and government buildings, underlining the city’s political and historical significance. Choosing between these two depends on what aspects of city life you value most.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Washington DC, DC
1. Adams Morgan: Known for its vibrant street life and diverse culture, Adams Morgan is extremely pet-friendly, offering numerous pet-friendly restaurants and dog parks like the Walter Pierce Park where your furry friends can play.
2. Capitol Hill: Aside from the iconic U.S. Capitol and historic ambiance, Capitol Hill features spacious parks such as the Congressional Cemetery, which doubles as a dog park, providing a unique space for you and your pet to explore.
3. Dupont Circle: This neighborhood boasts a welcoming atmosphere for pet owners, with several pet-friendly parks like the Dupont Circle Fountain, and businesses that cater to your pet's needs, making it an ideal place for pet lovers.
Boston vs. Washington DC Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one location to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the weather differences between Boston, MA and Washington DC, DC , offering insights into what you can expect. From average temperatures to seasonal allergies , this guide is designed to prepare you for your new climate.
Boston, MA
Washington DC, DC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Boston, MA
Washington DC, DC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Boston, MA
Washington DC, DC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Boston, MA
Washington DC, DC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Boston | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| Natural Disasters | Nor'easters, Blizzards | Hurricanes, Heatwaves |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In the shift from Boston to Washington DC, you'll notice milder winters and hotter summers in DC, expanding your wardrobe requirements. The slight increase in sunny days and warmth could alter your energy levels and outdoor activities preference. With DC's higher average UV index, sun protection becomes more crucial. Additionally, the difference in natural disaster risks—from Boston's blizzards to DC's hurricanes—underscores the importance of preparedness for varied weather-related challenges. Lastly, if allergies plague you, DC's broader range of allergens, including mold, might necessitate more robust mitigation strategies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Boston to Washington DC
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income levels compare is crucial. This will help you budget and prepare financially for your new life. This comparison between Boston, MA, and Washington DC, DC highlights the key financial differences to consider during your relocation.
| Comparison | Boston | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $79,283 | $90,088 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.5 | 140.1 |
| State Income Tax | 5 | 8.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.2 | 0.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Finance | Government, Professional Services, Education |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
While both Boston and Washington DC are cities with high living standards and costs, several financial differences are noteworthy. For instance, the average household income is higher in Washington DC, which may help offset its cost of living, despite being high in both cities. Notably, Washington DC's higher state income tax could impact your take-home pay compared to Boston. However, Boston's property tax is double that of Washington DC, affecting long-term homeownership costs. These nuances underline the importance of understanding the financial landscape of your new city beyond just the surface numbers.
Boston vs. Washington DC Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of Boston, MA, and Washington DC, DC. By understanding these aspects, you'll gain insights into the communities you're moving from and to. This comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Boston & Washington DC highlights key differences and similarities.
| Boston | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal-leaning | Liberal-leaning |
| Local Politics | Diverse city council, progressive policies | Home rule, emphasis on local governance |
| Religion | Catholic majority, with a variety of other faiths | Diverse religious landscape, with a notable Black Protestant community |
Both Boston and Washington DC are known for their liberal-leaning political makeup. However, the way local politics play out in each city has its distinctions. Boston's city council is known for its diversity and progressive policies, indicating a community engaged with broad social issues. Washington DC, on the other hand, operates under home rule, which allows for a unique emphasis on local governance, despite its lack of voting representation in Congress. Regarding religion, Boston has a notable Catholic majority but also hosts a variety of other faiths. Washington DC presents a diverse religious landscape, distinguished particularly by its significant Black Protestant community. These elements contribute to the unique cultural and community feel you will encounter in each city.
Boston vs. Washington DC Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When moving from Boston, MA to Washington DC, DC, it's essential to compare the traffic and transportation options between Boston & Washington DC to better understand what your daily commute and traffic experiences will be like. This comparison aims to shed light on the differences to help you adjust seamlessly.
| Comparison | Boston | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 29 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | Yes |
In Boston, the availability of public transit scores higher, thanks to the extensive MBTA system, which includes subways, buses, and commuter rails catering to a broad range of destinations within and beyond the city. This makes Boston slightly more favorable for those opting to live without a car. However, both cities offer robust public transportation systems and walkable neighborhoods, reducing the necessity for a personal vehicle. While traffic congestion is somewhat lower in Washington DC, the average commute times are quite similar. This suggests that despite the differences in public transportation scores, overall commute experiences may not drastically change as you transition between these cities.
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