($1,458) Movers From Houston, TX to Washington DC, MD

What to know before moving from Houston to Washington DC

Moving from Houston to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Houston, 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 55% higher than in Houston, 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 Houston.
  Home prices in Washington DC are 125.2% higher than in Houston.
• Income in Washington DC is 45.7% higher than in Houston, 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 43.1% higher than in Houston. 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 55.0% higher than in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 70.73% higher than in Houston.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the city’s sales taxes in Washington DC are 27.27% lower than in Houston.
• State income taxes in Washington DC are 5.75% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,292.06 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Washington DC

• Washington DC might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 69% less than Houston.
• Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Houston, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Houston. 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 Houston. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Houston, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 47 out of 100 in Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston is rated as 49 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Washington DC as Houston. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Washington DC is generally as safe as Houston, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Washington DC and Houston 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 Houston 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