Moving from Arlington to Chesapeake, VA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Chesapeake costs $269–$5,774, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 203-mile route within Virginia take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- 495 Movers, Inc leads local picks at 4.8 out of 5 stars across 410 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Arlington to Chesapeake?
Moving from Arlington to Chesapeake doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5) and 495 Movers, Inc (4.8/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 203-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,495–$4,491 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,194–$2,229 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $301–$589 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | BoxStar Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 103+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Chesapeake?
Movers typically charge between $269 and $5,774 for a Arlington to Chesapeake move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 203-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $903–$5,774
- Moving containers: $984–$2,786
- Rental trucks: $269–$706
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 leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 203 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $903–$3,690 | $984–$1,611 | $269–$469 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,495–$4,491 | $1,194–$2,229 | $301–$589 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,246–$5,774 | $1,660–$2,786 | $346–$706 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 103+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Arlington to Chesapeake move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Arlington to Chesapeake move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Arlington to Chesapeake, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. 495 Movers, Inc leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.8 out of 5 stars across 410 verified customer reviews. At 203 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Arlington to Chesapeake. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Virginia, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 203 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
495 Movers, Inc is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Arlington to Chesapeake, earning 4.8 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. 495 Movers, Inc has been in business since 2011 (15 years), with 83.7% of 410 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake to Arlington guide.
How does Chesapeake compare to Arlington?
Cost of living: Arlington vs. Chesapeake
Cost-of-living factors in Arlington vs. Chesapeake go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Chesapeake stacks up against Arlington.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 103+ Virginia cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Chesapeake is 34% lower than Arlington. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
- 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. Test the move's affordability by overlaying local salary ranges with local rent and home prices.
- Living expenses for one person in Chesapeake are 73% lower than Arlington. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Chesapeake is 69% lower than Arlington. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Chesapeake is 25% higher than Arlington. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3 to 6 month financial buffer.
- Sales taxes match in Chesapeake and Arlington. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Arlington, expect to budget around $810 to maintain the same lifestyle in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Chesapeake
A side-by-side comparison of life in Arlington vs. Chesapeake helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Arlington and Chesapeake so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| 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 |
-
Chesapeake has a comparable population to Arlington. Local industries, neighborhood character, and amenities matter more than raw size.
- The last presidential election saw both Arlington and Chesapeake siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Chesapeake (87°F) and Arlington (88°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Arlington (27°F) match Chesapeake (31°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Arlington and Chesapeake is nearly identical, at 43 inches and 47 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington hits 15 inches, vs. 5 inches in Chesapeake. Expect lower plowing, gear, and heating costs after the move.
- Crime index in Chesapeake (25.0) runs higher than Arlington (15.67). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
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: best movers from Arlington to Chesapeake
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Arlington to Chesapeake, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, 495 Movers, Inc (4.8 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 83.7% positive reviews across 410 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $269–$5,774 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Arlington to Chesapeake
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Arlington to Chesapeake?
A full-service move from Arlington to Chesapeake ranges from $896 to $3,267 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,495–$4,491. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,246–$5,774 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Arlington to Chesapeake?
Moving containers from Arlington to Chesapeake break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $676 to $1,664. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,194 and $2,229. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,660 to $2,786.
How much is a moving truck from Arlington to Chesapeake?
A rental moving truck from Arlington to Chesapeake costs $277–$513 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $301–$589, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $346 and $706.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Arlington-to-Chesapeake movers?
Ideally, book your move from Arlington to Chesapeake at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Arlington-to-Chesapeake movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chesapeake?
For the cheapest move to Chesapeake, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
