Washington, DC is about 440 miles from Boston, a city of about 694,000 people with rowhouse neighborhoods, a large federal and professional workforce, and a Metro system that makes life without a car possible. Housing is expensive but generally less so than Boston’s inner neighborhoods, with a median home value of about $737,100 and median rent of about $1,954 a month. This is an interstate move priced mainly by the weight of your shipment, so every heavy item you leave behind lowers the bill, and delivery usually comes within a window rather than on a fixed day. Get a written estimate based on an in-home or video survey, ask whether it is binding, reserve parking and your building’s elevator in DC ahead of time, and plan your first weeks around DC’s license and registration process.
Stark Moving and Storage serves both Boston and Washington, DC, so we handle this route from start to finish. We move households, offices, pianos, and fine art, and we offer packing and storage for moves that need it. Here is what to know about the move, the costs, and life in DC.
Washington, DC by the Numbers
From the U.S. Census Bureau’s District of Columbia QuickFacts:
| Measure | Washington, DC |
|---|---|
| Population, 2025 estimate | About 693,645 |
| Median household income | About $109,870 |
| Median home value | About $737,100 |
| Median rent | About $1,954 per month |
| Homes that are owner-occupied | About 41.5 percent |
| Average commute | About 30 minutes |
| Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher | About 64 percent |
How the Move Is Priced
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Shipment weight | The main driver of cost |
| Distance | About 440 miles |
| Date | Summer and month-end cost more |
| Access at both ends | Stairs, elevators, and long carries add time |
| Packing | Full packing adds to the bill |
| Shared or dedicated truck | Dedicated costs more, shared takes longer |
Because this is an interstate move, federal rules apply:
- The estimate is binding or non-binding
- On a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require more than 110 percent at delivery
- Full value protection is the default coverage
- You have up to nine months after delivery to file a claim
Our guide to long distance moving explains these rules in more detail, and our guide to long distance packing covers how to protect your belongings for the trip.
Tip: Sell or donate heavy, inexpensive furniture before the in-home estimate. On a weight-based move, a smaller shipment means a smaller bill.
Best Neighborhoods in Washington, DC
| Area | What it is like | Move notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill | Rowhouses near the Capitol | Narrow stairs, street parking |
| Dupont Circle and Logan Circle | Walkable, historic, lively | Rowhouses and condo buildings |
| Columbia Heights | Busy, lively, Metro access | Apartment buildings |
| Navy Yard | New high-rises on the waterfront | Elevators and loading docks |
| Georgetown | Historic, upscale, narrow streets | Tight access for trucks |
| Upper Northwest | Quieter, more single-family homes | Driveways in some areas |
Parking and Buildings in DC
Like Boston, DC has narrow streets and limited curb space. DC’s transportation department issues temporary no-parking permits for moving trucks, so arrange one well ahead for your new address. Many DC apartment and condo buildings also require a freight elevator reservation, set move hours, and proof of the mover’s insurance.
Ask your building for its move-in rules as soon as you have a lease or closing date.
Cost of Living in Washington, DC
DC is one of the most expensive cities in the country. BestPlaces gives it a cost of living score of about 152, where 100 is the national average. The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates these yearly costs for the District of Columbia:
| Yearly cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Housing, one adult | $22,386 |
| Food, one adult | $5,503 |
| Transportation, one adult | $4,729 |
| Income needed before taxes, one adult | $55,587 |
| Income needed before taxes, two working adults and two children | $159,696 |
Transportation costs are lower than in many cities because so many residents rely on the Metro instead of a car.
Weather in Washington, DC
BestPlaces lists these climate averages:
| Measure | Washington, DC | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| July high | About 89 degrees | Varies by region |
| January low | About 27 degrees | Varies by region |
| Snow per year | About 14 inches | 28 inches |
| Rain per year | About 43 inches | 38 inches |
| Sunny days per year | About 203 | 205 |
Summers are hot and humid, and winters are much milder than Boston’s, with far less snow.
Schools in Washington, DC
DC Public Schools serves about 51,900 students, with a student-teacher ratio of about 11 to 1. Niche gives the district an overall grade of B plus. DC also has many public charter schools, and families apply to most schools through the My School DC lottery, so start early if you have children.
Crime and Safety
NeighborhoodScout, using FBI data for 2024, reports these rates:
| Crime per 1,000 residents | Washington, DC | National median |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | About 10.1 | About 4 |
| Property crime | About 36.9 | About 18 |
Both rates are well above the national median, which is common for a large city. Crime is concentrated in certain areas, so research the specific blocks you are considering.
Life in Washington, DC
Jobs
Federal government, law, policy, nonprofits, consulting, and technology all employ large numbers of people.
Getting Around
The Metro covers much of the city and nearby Virginia and Maryland, and many neighborhoods are walkable and bikeable. Many residents live without a car.
Taxes and Paperwork
DC has its own income tax, and you will need a DC driver’s license and vehicle registration after you become a resident. Check DC’s current deadlines for new residents when you arrive, and speak with a tax professional about filing in Massachusetts and DC for the year you move.
More Long Distance Guides
Our guide to New York to Boston covers a similar long distance route, and our guide to moving out of Boston shows where else Boston residents go.
Choosing a Mover
For a move this size, check credentials and compare estimates carefully. Our guide on choosing a moving company lists what to ask.
Planning Timeline
- Eight weeks out. Get written estimates based on a survey.
- Six weeks out. Book. Reserve the elevator at both buildings.
- Four weeks out. Sell or donate what you are not taking.
- Two weeks out. Apply for a DC parking permit. Set up utilities.
- One week out. Finish packing. Confirm delivery window.
- Move day. Keep documents and valuables with you.
Pros and Cons of Living in Washington, DC
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large job market in government, law, and policy | High cost of living |
| Metro makes car-free living possible | Higher crime than the national median |
| Milder winters than Boston | Hot, humid summers |
| Free Smithsonian museums | School lottery for many families |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Washington, DC from Boston?
About 440 miles, roughly a seven to eight-hour drive without traffic.
How long does a Boston to DC move take?
Delivery usually comes within a window of a few days, depending on whether your shipment rides alone or with others.
Is DC cheaper than Boston?
Housing in DC is generally a little less expensive than Boston’s inner neighborhoods. The median home value is about $737,100.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in DC?
Usually, if the truck needs reserved curb space. Apply through DC’s transportation department ahead of the move.
What rules apply to a Boston to DC move?
Federal interstate moving rules, including binding or non-binding estimates and up to nine months to file a claim.
Can I live in DC without a car?
Many residents do. The Metro and walkable neighborhoods make it practical.
Moving to Washington, DC
Stark Moving and Storage provides local and long-distance moving services between Boston and Washington, DC, as well as throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Illinois. Our services include packing and unpacking, storage, custom crating, and specialized piano and fine art moving. Whether you’re relocating your home or transporting valuable belongings, our team works to keep your move organized and efficient.
As a BBB-accredited company, Stark Moving and Storage is committed to honesty, transparency, and efficiency throughout the moving process. If you’re looking for a reliable Boston moving company, contact us at (866) 656-6029 to discuss your relocation needs and request an estimate for your move to Washington, DC.