Quick answer: Expect to pay $513–$6,406 for a move from Washington DC to Boston, with most moves taking one to four days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 436 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Boston to Washington DC guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Washington DC to Boston
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Washington DC to Boston can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to MA move
Local moving companies in Washington DC
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 1893270
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1893270
Services Offered
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2586700
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3306591
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Boston?
Washington DC movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,287 - $3,799 | $787 - $1,985 | $462 - $869 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,181 - $6,406 | $1,437 - $2,733 | $513 - $1,041 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,719 - $8,909 | $2,004 - $3,390 | $595 - $1,177 |
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to Massachusetts
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Maryland to Massachusetts, you can expect to spend between $1,287 and $3,799. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,181 to $6,406 on the same route (MD to MA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Maryland to Massachusetts typically runs between $3,719 and $8,909.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to Massachusetts
If you're moving from Maryland to Massachusetts, expect to pay between $787 and $1,985 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,437 up to $2,733. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,004 and $3,390. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to Massachusetts
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $462 and $869. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $513 and $1,041. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $595 up to $1,177 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Boston
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Boston
Moving from Washington DC to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Boston is generally more expensive than Washington DC, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Washington DC | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,400 | $3,400 |
Average home value | $594,337 | $739,121 |
Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $89,212 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $4,820 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $11,304 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 9.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Boston, since prices are typically 42% higher than in Washington DC.
- The home prices in Boston are 24.4% higher than in Washington DC, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Boston is 12.3% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston — including General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 21.6% higher than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 1.9% higher than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Boston is 11.43% lower than in Washington DC.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Boston, since its sales taxes are 4.17% higher than what you are paying in Washington DC.
- State income taxes in Boston are 56.52% higher than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,648.75 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Boston
Boston | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Population | 675,647 | 705,749 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 9 |
Walkability score | 98 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 86 | 70 |
Crime Index | 39.88 | 60.37 |
Safety Index | 60.12 | 39.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Boston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 4% less than Washington DC.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Boston will be about the same as it currently is in Washington DC. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Living in Boston means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Washington DC. Boston is considered more walkable than Washington DC, with a score of 98 out of 100 versus 77 out of 100 in Washington DC. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Boston is considered more bike-friendly than Washington DC in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Boston has a bike-friendliness score of 86 out of 100, while Washington DC is rated as 70 out of 100.
- Boston has a lower crime rate than Washington DC based on scores of 39.88 and Washington DC's 60.37, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Boston than in Washington DC, based on Boston's safety index of 60.12 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Boston and Washington DC is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC vs. Boston move
- Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
- 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Massachusetts 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 Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Boston
Now that you've chosen Athens of America as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Boston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
After getting comfortable in your new Massachusetts home, it's time to see what Boston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Boston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Boston?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Boston?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC to Boston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Boston take?
The 436-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Boston, MA, takes one to four days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.