Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Washington DCtoggle

The cost of Charleston 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 Charleston to Washington DC can be as low as $1,255 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,549.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, 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 $523 to $1,302. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Washington DC

Charleston Washington DC
Average rent cost $2,500 $2,400
Average home value $559,231 $594,337
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $101,722
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $1,424
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $5,184
Unemployment rate 4.0% 7.0%
Sales tax 9.0% 6.0%
State income tax 7.0% 5.75%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Washington DC are 4% lower than in Charleston.
  • Home prices in Washington DC are 6.3% higher than in Charleston.
  • Income in Washington DC is 63.3% higher than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 73.1% lower than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 34.3% lower than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 75.00% higher than in Charleston.
  • Sales taxes in Washington DC are 33.33% lower than in Charleston.
  • State income taxes in Washington DC are 17.86% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $806.04 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Washington DC

Washington DC Charleston
Population 705,749 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 3
Walkability score 77 40
Bike friendliness score 70 50
Crime Index 60.37 44.97
Safety Index 39.63 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Washington DC's population is about 370% greater than Charleston.
  • Washington DC's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
  • Washington DC is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • With a score of 70 out of 100, Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Washington DC's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 60.37 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
  • Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 39.63 vs Charleston's 55.03.
  • Air quality in Washington DC is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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 youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™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.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Washington DCtoggle

After settling into your new Maryland home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Washington DC has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Washington DC is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and National Air and Space Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), or D.C. Untied (MLS) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Charleston 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 Charleston.

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

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

The 531-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Washington DC, MD, takes one to six days. Some Charleston 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

Charleston moving services

Popular South Carolina routes

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