($1,085) Moving from Columbus to Washington DC

Quick answer: A move from Columbus to Washington DC costs $386 to $5,087 and takes one-four 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 396-mile move yourself.

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

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Columbus 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 Columbus guide.

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The best Columbus to Washington DC moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbus 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 Columbus 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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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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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 Columbus to Washington DC?

Columbus movers charge $145 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 $1,085 - $3,174 $594 - $1,511 $358 - $613
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,782 - $5,087 $1,164 - $2,271 $386 - $757
4+ bedrooms $3,002 - $6,975 $1,423 - $2,814 $489 - $916
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 396 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 Columbus to Washington DC

The cost of Columbus 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 Columbus to Washington DC can be as low as $1,085 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,923.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, 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 $358 to $818. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Washington DC will cost between $1,085 to $3,174. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,782 to $5,087, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbus to Washington DC will cost from $3,002 to $6,975.

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

Moving containers from Columbus to Washington DC will cost you $594 to $1,511 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,164 to $2,271. A larger home will cost $1,423 to $2,814.

How much is a moving truck from Columbus 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 $358 to $613. A larger move will cost $386 to $757, and a four-bedroom move from Columbus to Washington DC costs from $489 to $916. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbus to Washington DC

Cost of living: Columbus vs Washington DC

Columbus Washington DC
Average rent cost $1,450 $2,450
Average home value $235,958 $609,175
Average income (per capita) $63,639 $635,900
Cost of Living (single person) $915 $1,211
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,229 $4,423
Unemployment rate 5.7% 7.0%
Sales Tax 7.5% 6.0%
State Income Tax 3.5% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Washington DC are 69% higher than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Washington DC are 158.2% higher than in Columbus.
  • Income in Washington DC is 899.2% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 32.3% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 37.0% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 22.81% higher than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Washington DC are 20.00% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Washington DC are 64.29% higher than in Columbus.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,970.49 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How is life different in Columbus compared to Washington DC?

Washington DC Columbus
Population 689,545 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 5
Walkability score 77 41
Bike friendliness score 70 48
Crime Index 46.45 37.49
Safety Index 41.16 56.58
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Washington DC's population is about 24% less than Columbus.
  • Washington DC's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Columbus's higher score of 5.
  • Washington DC is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
  • Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Columbus with a score of 70 out of 100 vs Columbus's 48.
  • Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 46.45 compared to Columbus's 37.49. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49%.
  • Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 41.16 vs Columbus's 56.58.
  • Air quality in Washington DC is moderate, and in Columbus 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 Columbus movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
All American Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2660 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH, 43204
(614) 224-0077
Planes Moving & Storage Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
2000 Dividend Dr, Columbus, OH, 43228
(614) 777-9090

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbus 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 Columbus to Washington DC?

The best time to move from Columbus 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 Columbus.

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

Because most people are moving from Columbus 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 Columbus to Washington DC take?

The 396-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Washington DC, MD, takes one-four days. Some Columbus 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