($1,261) Moving from Portland to Washington DC

Quick answer: A move from Portland to Washington DC costs $455 to $5,927 and takes one-six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 539-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Portland will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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

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The best Portland to Washington DC moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Portland to Washington DC is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Portland to Washington DC.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Portland to Washington DC?

Portland movers charge $135 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 $1,261 - $3,431 $679 - $1,555 $439 - $760
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,399 - $5,927 $1,226 - $2,351 $455 - $947
4+ bedrooms $4,380 - $8,432 $1,569 - $3,057 $556 - $1,120
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 539 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Washington DC

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Washington DC can be as low as $1,261 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,357.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $439 to $1,029. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Portland to Washington DC?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to Washington DC will cost between $1,261 to $3,431. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,399 to $5,927, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Portland to Washington DC will cost from $4,380 to $8,432.

How much are moving container companies from Portland to Washington DC?

Moving containers from Portland to Washington DC will cost you $679 to $1,555 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,226 to $2,351. A larger home will cost $1,569 to $3,057.

How much is a moving truck from Portland to Washington DC?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $439 to $760. A larger move will cost $455 to $947, and a four-bedroom move from Portland to Washington DC costs from $556 to $1,120. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Portland to Washington DC

Cost of living: Portland vs Washington DC

Portland Washington DC
Average rent cost $2,190 $2,450
Average home value $522,252 $609,175
Average income (per capita) $62,646 $635,900
Cost of Living (single person) $2,430 $1,211
Cost of Living (family of 4) $6,125 $4,423
Unemployment rate 5.2% 7.0%
Sales Tax 5.5% 6.0%
State Income Tax 5.8% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Washington DC are 12% higher than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Washington DC are 16.6% higher than in Portland.
  • Income in Washington DC is 915.1% higher than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 50.2% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 27.8% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 34.62% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Washington DC are 9.09% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes are the same in Washington DC and Portland.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,495.06 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How is life different in Portland compared to Washington DC?

Washington DC Portland
Population 689,545 68,408
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 6
Walkability score 77 62
Bike friendliness score 70 68
Crime Index 46.45 19.79
Safety Index 41.16 67.22
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Washington DC's population is about 908% greater than Portland.
  • Washington DC's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 6.
  • Washington DC is more walkable than Portland with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Portland with a score of 70 out of 100 vs Portland's 68.
  • Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 46.45 compared to Portland's 19.79. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 19.79%.
  • Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 41.16 vs Portland's 67.22.
  • Air quality in Washington DC is moderate, and in Portland it's good.

Considerations for moving to Washington DC

  • 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.

Local Portland movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
422 1/2 Fore St Suite #1, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 890-7475
Bisson Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME, 04092
(207) 591-1000

Visit our best long distance movers in Portland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Adams Morgan
  • Capitol Hill
  • Cleveland Park
  • Foggy Bottom
  • Logan Circle

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • AU-Tenleytown
  • Chevy Chase
  • Cleveland Park
  • Georgetown
  • The Palisades

What to do in Washington DC

These are some of the best things to do in your new Maryland home.

  • Washington Monument
  • White House
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
  • National Mall
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Smithsonian National Zoo
  • The Pentagon
  • Library Of Congress
  • Capitol Hill
  • Smithsonian Institution Building
  • National Gallery of Art & the Sculpture Garden
  • International Spy Museum
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • National Museum of the American Indian & the Mitsitam Café
  • National Postal Museum
  • Penn Quarter
  • National Geographic Museum
  • National Archives Museum
  • National Museum of Health and Medicine
  • Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Get your sports on!

Washington DC is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Washington Wizards (NBA)
  • Washington Capitals (NHL)
  • Washington Mystics (WNBA)
  • D.C. Untied (MLS)
  • Washington Commanders (NFL)
  • DC Defenders (XFL)
  • Old Glory DC (MLR)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Portland to Washington DC?

The best time to move from Portland to Washington DC is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Washington DC?

Because most people are moving from Portland to Washington DC in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Portland to Washington DC take?

The 539-mile move from Portland, ME, to Washington DC, MD, takes one-six days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Washington DC.

Helpful moving resources