Local Move

Moving from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC

97 miles · 2h drive · Estimated cost $1,156–$1,976 for a 2-bedroom move

97 miles

2h drive

Cost Index: 0.98 → 1.30

Cost Estimate: Richmond to Washington

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$1,561

Range: $1,156 – $1,976

Professional packing & unpacking
Loading, transport & unloading
Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$1,098

Range: $833 – $1,373

You pack your own boxes
Movers load, transport & unload
Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$392

Range: $212 – $581

Truck rental + gas + equipment
No labor costs — you do the lifting
Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Richmond to Washington move.

Home Size

Move Month

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Richmond, VA → Washington, DC · 97 miles

Low

$1,156

Estimated

$1,561

High

$1,976

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom local move from Richmond to Washington.

Total$1,561

Labor(32.5%)

$431 – $585

Transportation(39.8%)

$444 – $798

Packing(21.7%)

$225 – $450

Insurance(2.8%)

$22 – $73

Tips(3.2%)

$34 – $70

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Richmond to Washington vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

CheapestModerateExpensive

Origin

Richmond

Virginia

Destination

Washington

District of Columbia

Cost of Living Index

130

Average Rent (1BR)

$1,300

$2,400

Average Rent (2BR)

$1,550

$3,000

You'll spend ~89% more on housing

Average rent in Washington is $2,700/mo vs $1,425/mo in Richmond

Top Neighborhoods

Washington

Georgetown
Dupont Circle
Capitol Hill
Adams Morgan
Shaw

Local Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 97-mile move from Richmond to Washington.

Consider a DIY move

At under 100 miles, renting a truck for your Richmond to Washington move can save you 50–70% compared to full-service movers.

Move mid-week

Tuesday through Thursday moves are typically 15–25% cheaper than weekend moves, with better availability.

Declutter before you pack

Sell or donate items you no longer need. Less stuff means fewer boxes, a smaller truck, and a lower bill.

Get at least 3 quotes

Local moving company rates can vary dramatically. Always compare at least three in-home or video estimates.

Reserve your elevator

If you live in an apartment building, book the service elevator in advance to avoid delays and extra hourly charges.

Finding Local Movers

For local moves under 100 miles, we recommend searching for movers in the Richmond area. Local companies often provide better rates and more personalized service than national carriers for short-distance moves. Always get at least 3 in-home estimates and verify licensing through the FMCSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from Richmond to Washington?

The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC ranges from $1,156 to $1,976, with a typical cost around $1,561. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $392. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.

How long does the drive from Richmond to Washington take?

The distance from Richmond to Washington is approximately 97 miles. The estimated driving time is 2h, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 1 day to deliver your belongings.

What's the cheapest month to move from Richmond to Washington?

January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.

Should I hire movers or do it myself?

For a 97-mile move, a DIY move can save you significantly — rental trucks are affordable for short distances, and you can recruit friends to help. Compare your DIY cost of ~$392 vs. full-service at ~$1,561 to decide.

How far is Richmond from Washington?

Richmond, VA is approximately 97 miles from Washington, DC. This is classified as a local move and the drive takes roughly 2h.

What size moving truck do I need for a move from Richmond to Washington?

For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.