Top Washington DC, MD to Los Angeles, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Los Angeles to Washington DC guide.

1. Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
2. Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
3. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. Artisan Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
5. My Pro Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Maryland to California

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Maryland to California, you can expect to spend between $1,661 and $6,946. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,697 to $9,912 on the same route (MD to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Maryland to California typically runs between $8,480 and $14,763.

Cost of moving containers from Maryland to California

When you're heading from Maryland to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,746 and $4,263. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $3,039 and $6,651. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,979 to $8,196. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Maryland easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to California

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,812 to $3,655. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $2,022 to $4,479, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Maryland to California costs around $2,480 to $5,234.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 23% higher than in Washington DC.
• The home prices in Los Angeles are 298.4% higher than in Washington DC, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Los Angeles is 26.3% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Los Angeles — including County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP) — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Los Angeles. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 1.0% lower than in Washington DC.
• A move to Los Angeles can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 16.9% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 51.43% higher than in Washington DC.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Los Angeles, since its sales taxes are 58.33% higher than what you are paying in Washington DC.
• State income taxes in Los Angeles are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.

• Los Angeles's population is about 441% greater than Washington DC.
• Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
• Los Angeles is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
• Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score 59 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
• Los Angeles's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 53.81 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
• Los Angeles is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 46.19 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
• Air quality in Los Angeles is moderate, and in Washington DC it's good.

• Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Los Angeles. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Echo Park
• Los Feliz
• Playa Del Rey
• Silver Lake
• Westwood

Best neighborhoods for families

• Brentwood
• Eagle Rock
• Mar Vista
• Playa Vista
• Studio City

Things to do in Los Angeles

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Los Angeles is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: Los Angeles features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.