Key factors that influence moving costs from Nashville to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Nashville to Washington DC
Moving from Nashville to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Nashville, itโs 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:
Nashville | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,971 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $428,678 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $79,020 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,108 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,447 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 9.75% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 22% higher than in Nashville, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Nashville.
Home prices in Washington DC are 38.6% higher than in Nashville. - Income in Washington DC is 28.7% higher than in Nashville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Washington DC include Department of Homeland Security, US Navy, and United States Postal Service.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Washington DC, since the cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 27.5% higher than in Nashville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Washington DC, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 31.3% higher than in Nashville.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 55.56% higher than in Nashville.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโs sales taxes in Washington DC are 38.46% lower than in Nashville.
- State income taxes in Washington DC are 5.75% higher than in Nashville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,825.29 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Nashville.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Nashville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 689,447 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 4 |
Walkability score | 77 | 96 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 72 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 49.1 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 50.9 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Washington DC and Nashville have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in Maryland easier.
- Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Nashville, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 4 in Nashville. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Washington DC neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Nashville. Based on its score of 77 out of 100, Washington DC isnโt as walkable as Nashville, which has a score of 96 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Washington DC and Nashville are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 70 and 72 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in Nashville, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 60.37 in Washington DC, it is 49.1 in Nashville. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Washington DC. With a crime index of 39.63, Washington DC ranks lower in overall safety than Nashville, whose index is Nashville's 50.9. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Washington DC and Nashville 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 Nashville 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Maryland, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Maryland doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Washington DC without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Washington DC
With your sights set on "DC", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
Things to do in Washington DC
Now that you've made the move to Maryland, itโs the perfect time to explore Washington DC. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Washington DC, such as 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 cityโs National Mall, National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park โ 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 Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Mystics (WNBA), or D.C. Untied (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Nashville to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Nashville to Washington DC. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Nashville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Nashville to Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Nashville to Washington DC are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Nashville to Washington DC take?
Covering 665 miles, the move from Nashville, TN to Washington DC, MD typically takes one to six days. Some Nashville movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.