Arlington to Chesapeake Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Arlington to Chesapeake, VA (~203 miles) costs between $235 and $4,879, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as BoxStar Movers, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 685 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $110/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Arlington
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Arlington to Chesapeake?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Arlington to Chesapeake are regulated by Virginia law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Virginia intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Virginia companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend BoxStar Movers (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by 495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Arlington to Chesapeake moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 104+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Chesapeake?
Movers typically charge between $235 and $4,879* for a Arlington to Chesapeake move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $812 - $4,879
- Moving containers: $792 - $2,354
- Rental trucks: $235 - $557
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $812 - $3,378 | $792 - $1,375 | $235 - $409 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,371 - $4,151 | $1,072 - $2,061 | $260 - $493 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,919 - $4,879 | $1,322 - $2,354 | $305 - $557 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 104+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Arlington, VA movers.
How Arlington to Chesapeake moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $110 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,320.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 30% of Arlington movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 28% of Arlington movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: BoxStar Movers |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Arlington to Chesapeake
Moving from Arlington to Chesapeake is a job for local and regional Virginia movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. BoxStar Movers leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 685 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Arlington to Chesapeake
Local movers operating within Virginia know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- BoxStar Movers (4.64/5 stars): 99.1% positive customer ratings.
- 495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars): 83.7% positive customer ratings.
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.78/5 stars): 90.9% positive customer ratings.
- My Pro Movers (4.64/5 stars): 93.2% positive customer ratings.
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.58/5 stars): 96.1% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 79 movers in Arlington, drawing on 23,246 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Arlington to Chesapeake
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Arlington, VA
Arlington residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Virginia moving resources
How does Chesapeake compare to Arlington?
Cost of living: Arlington vs. Chesapeake
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Arlington | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,718 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $866,334 | $359,218 |
| Average income (per capita) | $140,160 | $94,189 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,867 | $1,882 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,970 | $3,656 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Arlington and Chesapeake comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 104+ Virginia moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Chesapeake are 34% lower than in Arlington. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Chesapeake are 59% lower than Arlington. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Chesapeake is 33% lower than Arlington. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Chesapeake is 73% lower than Arlington. The savings typically free up 73% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Chesapeake is 69% lower than Arlington. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Chesapeake runs 25% higher than Arlington. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Chesapeake and Arlington match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $810 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Arlington.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Chesapeake
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Chesapeake might look different from Arlington in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Arlington | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 249,422 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-17 | Democratic 52-46 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 43" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 5" |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 25.0 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Virginia can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 29% of movers in Virginia, vs 33% nationally).
- Chesapeake has a similar population to Arlington. Cost of living, job market depth, and cultural breadth, not headcount, will define the move experience.
- In the last presidential election, both Arlington and Chesapeake voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Chesapeake (87°F) match Arlington (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Arlington (27°F) and Chesapeake (31°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Arlington (43 inches) and Chesapeake (47 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington is 15 inches, vs. 5 inches in Chesapeake. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
- Crime index in Chesapeake (25.0) is higher than Arlington (15.67). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Chesapeake
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Chesapeake. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Chesapeake
- Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum
- AR Workshop Chesapeake
- Portlock Galleries at SoNo
Parks in Chesapeake
- Oak Grove Lake Park
- Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
- Northwest River Park
- Chesapeake Arboretum
- Great Bridge Lock Park
Sports teams in Chesapeake
- Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball)
- Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports)
Universities in Chesapeake
- Centura College Chesapeake
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance Chesapeake
Final verdict: Arlington to Chesapeake movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service. For smaller moves, BoxStar Movers (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 99.1% positive reviews across 685 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $235 - $4,879, based on our analysis of 104+ Virginia movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Arlington to Chesapeake
What percentage of Arlington movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Arlington to Chesapeake?
A full-service move from Arlington to Chesapeake costs $728 - $2,658 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,371 - $4,151, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,919 - $4,879.
How far in advance should I book Arlington-to-Chesapeake movers?
Book your Arlington to Chesapeake movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How long does a move from Arlington to Chesapeake take?
Most moves from Arlington to Chesapeake take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
Do movers in Virginia offer storage?
83% of movers in Virginia offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
