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State-to-State Guide

Moving from California to District of Columbia

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your California to District of Columbia move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving California

Population39.5M
State Income Tax1%-13.3%
Avg Home Price$785,000
Avg Rent$2,200/mo
Property Tax Rate0.76%
DESTINATION

Moving to District of Columbia

Population690K
State Income Tax4%-10.75%
Avg Home Price$650,000
Avg Rent$2,200/mo
Property Tax Rate0.56%

Why Are People Moving from California to District of Columbia?

The migration corridor between California and District of Columbia is a popular interstate move. California has been experiencing net outflow while District of Columbia continues to attract new residents.

Cost of Living: Both states have a comparable cost of living. The average home price in District of Columbia is $135,000 less than California, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in District of Columbia average 35°F, compared to 55°F in California.

Jobs & Industry: District of Columbia's key industries include Federal Government, Law, Education, which attract professionals from California's Technology and Entertainment sectors.

Popular City-to-City Routes

2983 mi
54.2h drive
Los Angeles, CA
Washington, DC
via I-20 East
2951 mi
53.7h drive
San Diego, CA
Washington, DC
via I-20 East
3140 mi
57.1h drive
San Jose, CA
Washington, DC
via I-40 East
3166 mi
57.6h drive
San Francisco, CA
Washington, DC
via I-40 East
3012 mi
54.8h drive
Fresno, CA
Washington, DC
via I-40 East
3083 mi
56.1h drive
Sacramento, CA
Washington, DC
via I-40 East
2996 mi
54.5h drive
Bakersfield, CA
Washington, DC
via I-40 East
2966 mi
53.9h drive
Anaheim, CA
Washington, DC
via I-20 East
2966 mi
53.9h drive
Santa Ana, CA
Washington, DC
via I-20 East
2988 mi
54.3h drive
Long Beach, CA
Washington, DC
via I-20 East

Cities in California

Los Angeles

Population4.0M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Diego

Population1.4M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Jose

Population1.0M
Median Home Price$1,200,000

San Francisco

Population874K
Median Home Price$1,400,000

Fresno

Population542K
Median Home Price$340,000

Sacramento

Population525K
Median Home Price$430,000

Bakersfield

Population403K
Median Home Price$340,000

Anaheim

Population350K
Median Home Price$750,000

Santa Ana

Population309K
Median Home Price$700,000

Long Beach

Population467K
Median Home Price$700,000

Cities in District of Columbia

Washington

Population690K
Median Home Price$620,000

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 3025 miles between California and District of Columbia:

Studio / 1 BR
$2,313
3–4 BR Home
$5,630

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

California → District of Columbia Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a District of Columbia driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in District of Columbia within 30 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to District of Columbia after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

District of Columbia vehicle inspection requirement: Required every 2 years.

Things to Know About District of Columbia

  • • Residents pay federal taxes but have no voting representation in Congress
  • • Reciprocity agreements affect income taxes for commuters from VA and MD
  • • Parking is extremely limited and expensive—public transit is essential

What's Different: California vs District of Columbia

Taxes

California Income Tax:1%-13.3%
District of Columbia Income Tax:4%-10.75%
California Property Tax:0.76%
District of Columbia Property Tax:0.56%

Weather

California Summer Avg:85°F
District of Columbia Summer Avg:87°F
California Winter Avg:55°F
District of Columbia Winter Avg:35°F

Cost of Living

California COL Index:150
District of Columbia COL Index:160
California Avg Home Price:$785,000
District of Columbia Avg Home Price:$650,000
California Avg Rent:$2,200/mo
District of Columbia Avg Rent:$2,200/mo

Ready to make the move to District of Columbia?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between California and District of Columbia.