Moving from Chesapeake to Arlington, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Chesapeake to Arlington costs $286–$5,953, 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.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads local picks at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 258 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Chesapeake to Arlington?
Moving from Chesapeake to Arlington 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 TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.52/5) 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 | $1,511–$4,583 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,169–$2,343 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $295–$548 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $125/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 Chesapeake to Arlington?
Movers typically charge between $286 and $5,953 for a Chesapeake to Arlington 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: $951–$5,953
- Moving containers: $975–$2,900
- Rental trucks: $286–$652
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 | $951–$3,614 | $975–$1,694 | $286–$503 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,511–$4,583 | $1,169–$2,343 | $295–$548 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,224–$5,953 | $1,660–$2,900 | $360–$652 |
*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 Chesapeake to Arlington move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Chesapeake to Arlington 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 | $125/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 Chesapeake to Arlington
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Chesapeake to Arlington, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 258 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 Chesapeake to Arlington. 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
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Chesapeake to Arlington, earning 4.52 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business since 2017 (9 years), with 79.8% of 258 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 Arlington to Chesapeake guide.
How does Arlington compare to Chesapeake?
Cost of living: Chesapeake vs. Arlington
Cost-of-living factors in Chesapeake vs. Arlington go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Arlington stacks up against Chesapeake.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chesapeake | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $359,218 | $866,334 |
| Average income (per capita) | $94,189 | $140,160 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,882 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,656 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Chesapeake and Arlington 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 prices in Arlington are 51% higher than in Chesapeake. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Arlington are 141% higher than Chesapeake. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Arlington is 49% higher than Chesapeake. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- Cost of living for one person in Arlington is 265% higher than Chesapeake. Plan to add roughly 265% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Arlington are 227% higher than Chesapeake. Most of the gap shows up in housing, childcare, and after-school programming.
- Unemployment in Arlington runs 20% lower than Chesapeake. Expect shorter time-to-hire and stronger negotiation positioning.
- Sales taxes match in Arlington and Chesapeake. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Chesapeake, expect to budget around $10,950 to maintain the same lifestyle in Arlington.
How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Arlington
A side-by-side comparison of life in Chesapeake vs. Arlington 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 Chesapeake and Arlington so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Chesapeake | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,422 | 238,643 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-46 | Democratic 81-17 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 43" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 15" |
| Crime index | 25.0 | 15.67 |
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Arlington has a comparable population to Chesapeake. Local industries, neighborhood character, and amenities matter more than raw size.
- The last presidential election saw both Chesapeake and Arlington siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Arlington (88°F) and Chesapeake (87°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Chesapeake (31°F) match Arlington (27°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Chesapeake and Arlington is nearly identical, at 47 inches and 43 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington runs 15 inches, higher than Chesapeake's 5 inches. Heating systems, winter driving, and snow removal become bigger budget items.
- Crime index in Arlington (15.67) is lower than Chesapeake (25.0). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Arlington
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Arlington. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Arlington
- JW Tumbles
- Ball-Sellers House Museum
- David M. Brown Planetarium
- Arlington Historical Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
Parks in Arlington
- Gravelly Point Park
- Long Bridge Park
- Bon Air Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sports teams in Arlington
- Arlington Youth Football Club
Universities in Arlington
- Marymount University
Final verdict: best movers from Chesapeake to Arlington
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Chesapeake to Arlington, 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, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.52 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 79.8% positive reviews across 258 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 $286–$5,953 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 Chesapeake to Arlington
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chesapeake to Arlington?
A full-service move from Chesapeake to Arlington ranges from $878 to $3,112 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,511–$4,583. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,224–$5,953 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Chesapeake to Arlington?
Moving containers from Chesapeake to Arlington break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $683 to $1,664. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,169 and $2,343. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,660 to $2,900.
How much is a moving truck from Chesapeake to Arlington?
A rental moving truck from Chesapeake to Arlington costs $289–$503 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $295–$548, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $360 and $652.
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 Chesapeake-to-Arlington movers?
Ideally, book your move from Chesapeake to Arlington 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 Chesapeake-to-Arlington 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 Arlington?
For the cheapest move to Arlington, 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.
