($1,470) Movers From El Paso, TX to Washington DC, MD

What to know before moving from El Paso to Washington DC

Moving from El Paso to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than El Paso, 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:

• Rent prices in Washington DC are 59% higher than in El Paso, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in El Paso.
  Home prices in Washington DC are 166.3% higher than in El Paso.
• Income in Washington DC is 74.3% higher than in El Paso, 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 116.2% higher than in El Paso. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re 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 154.4% higher than in El Paso.
• The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 48.94% higher than in El Paso.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the city’s sales taxes in Washington DC are 17.24% lower than in El Paso.
• State income taxes in Washington DC are 5.75% higher than in El Paso.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,486.09 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in El Paso.

How life is different in El Paso vs. Washington DC

• Washington DC and El Paso 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 El Paso, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 4 in El Paso. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Washington DC means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in El Paso. Washington DC is considered more walkable than El Paso, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in El Paso. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Washington DC is considered more bike-friendly than El Paso in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, while El Paso is rated as 42 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in El Paso, 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 32.51 in El Paso. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Washington DC. With a crime index of 39.63, Washington DC ranks lower in overall safety than El Paso, whose index is El Paso's 67.49. 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.
• You can breathe easy knowing that Washington DC has better air quality than in El Paso. Washington DC has Good air quality, compared to moderate in El Paso. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your El Paso 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Maryland, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Maryland doesn’t 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.

Helpful moving resources