Moving to Washington, DC: costs, checklist and what to know
Washington, DC at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Washington · capital Washington · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Washington, DC
- Income tax: Washington, DC taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the DC Office of Tax and Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Washington, DC's general sales tax rate is 6%. General sales tax remains 6% through September 30, 2027; the planned increase to 7% was postponed.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Washington, DC driver's license within 60 days, according to the DC DMV. DC DMV requires a DC license after 60 days of DC residence for people driving on public streets, subject to exceptions.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from New York City to Washington (about 240 road miles) runs roughly $490–$970 with a rental truck or $1,780–$4,160 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Washington, DC
- Washington, DC isn't a state, but it has its own income tax, its own DMV and its own process for reserving curb space for a moving truck.
- Many apartment buildings require you to book the freight elevator and show your mover's certificate of insurance before moving day.
- Residential parking permits are tied to DC vehicle registration, so register your car in DC to park on most residential streets.
Main cities and metros include Washington, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Navy Yard. Washington, DC borders Maryland and Virginia.
How much does it cost to move to Washington, DC?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Washington, the largest city in Washington, DC. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 240 | $490–$970 | $1,780–$4,160 |
| Los Angeles | 2,750 | $3,970–$7,510 | $5,800–$13,200 |
| Chicago | 710 | $1,120–$2,160 | $2,540–$5,860 |
| Dallas | 1,420 | $2,150–$4,100 | $3,670–$8,410 |
| Atlanta | 650 | $1,060–$2,050 | $2,440–$5,640 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Washington, DC moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Washington, DC
Spring and fall. Summer is hot, humid and the busiest season for movers in the region.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Washington, DC new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Washington, DC: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Washington, DC?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 240 miles from New York City to Washington costs roughly $490–$970 if you rent a truck or $1,780–$4,160 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Washington, DC have a state income tax?
Yes. Washington, DC taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the DC Office of Tax and Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC's general sales tax rate is 6%. General sales tax remains 6% through September 30, 2027; the planned increase to 7% was postponed.
How long do I have to get a Washington, DC driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the DC DMV. DC DMV requires a DC license after 60 days of DC residence for people driving on public streets, subject to exceptions. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Washington, DC?
Spring and fall. Summer is hot, humid and the busiest season for movers in the region.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue and the DC DMV, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.