How Much Do Movers Cost in Washington, DC?
The average local move in Washington, DC costs $4,790, with prices typically ranging from $4,150 to $5,429 depending on move size.
Based on verified rate cards from 3 licensed, insured moving companies servicing Washington, DC · Updated April 2026
Washington Moving Costs at a Glance
- A 2 bedroom move in Washington costs approximately $3,114
- Local movers charge $79–$115 per hour per worker
- Summer moves cost 10–20% more than winter moves
- Midweek moves (Mon–Wed) save ~10% compared to weekends
- Long distance: Washington to NYC costs approximately $6,782 for a 2BR
Moving Costs by Home Size
| Move Size | ~Cu Ft | In and Out Movers | Next Generation Movers | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 150 | $834 | $2,800 | $1,390 |
| 1 Bedroom | 400 | $1,395 | $3,160 | $1,714 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 800 | $1,861 | $6,240 | $3,114 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 1,500 | $3,101 | $11,700 | $5,612 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 1,900 | $3,411 | $14,820 | $7,096 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | 2,500 | $5,426 | $19,500 | $9,812 |
Prices reflect baseline midweek rates. Weekend, summer, and last-minute moves may cost 10–20% more. Pricing sourced directly from company rate cards.
In summary, a studio move in Washington costs an average of $1,390, a 2 bedroom move costs approximately $3,114, and a 5+ bedrooms move averages $9,812. These prices are based on 3 verified movers and reflect midweek, off-peak rates.
About Moving in Washington
Washington, DC is the nation's capital with diverse housing from historic rowhouses to modern high-rises. Moving logistics vary dramatically by neighborhood — from easy elevator buildings in NoMA to narrow rowhouse stairs in Capitol Hill.
Cheapest & Most Affordable Movers in Washington, DC
For a typical move in Washington — defined as a 2 bedroom home, the most common move size in the DC metro area — In and Out Movers offers the lowest verified price at approximately $1,861, compared to the average of $3,114 across all verified movers. That's 40% below the market average.
How to Get the Cheapest Move in Washington
- $ Move midweek (Mon–Wed) — saves ~10% vs weekend rates
- $ Book in winter (Dec–Feb) — off-peak season discounts of ~10%
- $ Book 2+ weeks ahead — avoids the ~10% last-minute surcharge
- $ Choose self-service packing — pack your own boxes and save the packing fee entirely
- $ Declutter before the move — fewer items means less cubic footage, which directly lowers the price
- $ Avoid end-of-month dates — lease turnovers drive up demand and prices in the last 7 days of each month
- $ Compare multiple movers — pricing varies significantly between companies for the same move
Combining multiple savings strategies can stack. A Washington resident booking a midweek winter move with self-service packing, 3 weeks in advance, could pay as little as $1,507 for a 2 bedroom move — compared to the peak-season average of $3,737.
Hiring Movers vs Moving Yourself in Washington
For a typical 2 bedroom move in Washington, hiring professional movers with self-service packing costs approximately $3,114, while renting a truck and doing it yourself costs roughly $300. The professional premium of $2,814 buys you insurance coverage, professional equipment, and saves 8–10 hours of physical labor.
| Option | 2BR Cost | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | $3,893 | Nothing — movers pack, load, transport, and unload |
| Self Service | $3,114 | You pack boxes — movers handle loading and transport |
| DIY (Truck Rental) | $300 | Everything — you pack, load, drive, and unload |
Full service estimate includes professional packing. DIY estimate based on a one-day local truck rental with fuel. Professional movers include liability coverage; DIY moves do not.
Moving Costs from Washington to Nearby Cities
| Destination | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $1,714 | $3,113 | $5,612 |
| Bethesda | $1,714 | $3,113 | $5,612 |
| Silver Spring | $1,714 | $3,113 | $5,612 |
| Alexandria | $1,714 | $3,113 | $5,612 |
| Takoma Park | $1,714 | $3,113 | $5,612 |
Average prices based on 3 verified movers. Actual cost varies by time of year, day of week, and access conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a move cost in Washington, DC?
For a 1 bedroom apartment, expect $700–$1,200. For a 2 bedroom rowhouse, roughly $1,400–$2,200. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood and building type.
Do I need a parking permit to move in DC?
In most neighborhoods, yes. A DC Emergency No Parking permit costs $50 and should be applied for 3+ business days in advance.
Is it cheaper to move within DC or to the suburbs?
Moving to the suburbs is often cheaper because suburban homes have easier truck access and no parking permit fees.
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