Key factors that influence moving costs from Laredo to Washington DC
What to know before moving from Laredo to Washington DC
Moving from Laredo to Washington DC comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Washington DC is generally more expensive than Laredo, 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:
Laredo | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,241 | $2,400 |
Average home value | $210,593 | $594,337 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,896 | $101,722 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,756 | $3,963 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,770 | $11,093 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.0% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Washington DC are 93% higher than in Laredo, 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 Laredo.
Home prices in Washington DC are 182.2% higher than in Laredo. - Income in Washington DC is 72.7% higher than in Laredo, 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 125.7% higher than in Laredo. 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 194.2% higher than in Laredo.
- The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 11.39% lower than in Laredo.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Washington DC, since the cityโs sales taxes in Washington DC are 27.27% lower than in Laredo.
- State income taxes in Washington DC are 5.75% higher than in Laredo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,770.50 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Laredo.
How life is different in Laredo vs. Washington DC
Washington DC | Laredo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 705,749 | 255,205 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 4 |
Walkability score | 77 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 40 |
Crime Index | 60.37 | 36.23 |
Safety Index | 39.63 | 63.77 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Washington DC is about 177% greater than Laredo, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Washington DC offers better access to buses and trains than Laredo, based on public transportation ratings. Washington DC has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 4 in Laredo. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Washington DC means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Laredo. Washington DC is considered more walkable than Laredo, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in Laredo. A cityโs 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 Laredo 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 Laredo is rated as 40 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Washington DC is higher than in Laredo, 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 36.23 in Laredo. 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 Laredo, whose index is Laredo's 63.77. 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 Laredo 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 Laredo 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
Once youโre settled into your new home in Maryland, itโs time to get out and discover what Washington DC has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Washington DC features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Laredo to Washington DC?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Laredo to Washington DC. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Laredo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Laredo to Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Laredo 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 Laredo to Washington DC take?
Covering 1,757 miles, the move from Laredo, TX to Washington DC, MD typically takes five to 16 days. Some Laredo movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWashington DC can help bridge the gap.