($1,334) Movers From Chicago, IL to Washington DC, MD

What to know before moving from Chicago to Washington DC

• Rent prices in Washington DC are 17% higher than in Chicago.
• Home prices in Washington DC are 101.0% higher than in Chicago.
• Income in Washington DC is 42.1% higher than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 11.3% higher than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 10.7% higher than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 22.22% lower than in Chicago.
• Sales taxes in Washington DC are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Washington DC are 16.16% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,337.50 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Washington DC

• Washington DC's population is about 74% less than Chicago.
• Washington DC's public transportation has a similar score to Chicago.
• Washington DC and Chicago are similarily walkable.
• Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score 70 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 60.37 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Washington DC is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 39.63 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Washington DC is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Washington DC move

• Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington DC. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Washington DC

Now that you've decided to make the move to "DC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Washington DC.

Helpful moving resources