Moving from Chesapeake to Richmond, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Chesapeake to Richmond costs between $121 to $4,575 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 104-mile route within Virginia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Chesapeake to Richmond
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Chesapeake to Richmond are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Chesapeake to driving and unloading in Richmond, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 104 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,213 - $3,556 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,088 - $1,909 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $137 - $230 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $125/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake to Richmond?
It costs between $121 to $4,575 to move from Chesapeake to Richmond. The prices below break down your 104-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $694 - $4,575
- Moving containers: $824 - $2,316
- Rental trucks: $121 - $252
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $694 - $3,157 | $824 - $1,351 | $121 - $197 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,213 - $3,556 | $1,088 - $1,909 | $137 - $230 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,683 - $4,575 | $1,271 - $2,316 | $156 - $252 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $125/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Chesapeake to Richmond
At 104 miles, your Chesapeake to Richmond move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Chesapeake to Richmond. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 104 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Tidal Town Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Chesapeake to Richmond. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 93.7% of their 255 verified reviews are positive.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond to Chesapeake guide.
Considerations when moving from Chesapeake to Richmond
Cost of living: Chesapeake vs. Richmond
The cost of living in Chesapeake vs. Richmond isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Richmond compares to what you’re used to in Chesapeake.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chesapeake | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,595 |
| Average home cost | $359,218 | $327,959 |
| Average income (per capita) | $94,189 | $62,671 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,882 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,656 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent in Richmond is about 11% cheaper than in Chesapeake. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Richmond are 9% lower than in Chesapeake. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Richmond is 33% lower than in Chesapeake, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- Living costs for one person are 21% higher in Richmond compared to Chesapeake. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Richmond, plan for living expenses to be about 46% higher than in Chesapeake. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Richmond is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Richmond is 42% higher than in Chesapeake. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Richmond and Chesapeake, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Chesapeake, you’ll need about $3,630 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Richmond.
How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Richmond
Before you move, check out how life in Richmond measures up to Chesapeake. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Chesapeake | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,422 | 226,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-46 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 11" |
| Crime index | 25.0 | 48.45 |
Richmond sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Richmond has roughly 9% fewer people than Chesapeake. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Richmond voted Republican, while Chesapeake leaned Democratic.
- You’ll find that both Richmond and Chesapeake have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Chesapeake and Richmond—with winter lows around 31°F and 28°F.
- Both Chesapeake and Richmond see similar yearly rainfall—Chesapeake averages 47 inches, while Richmond gets 44 inches.
- Richmond gets more snow annually than Chesapeake, with about 11 inches compared to Chesapeake’s 5 inches.
- Richmond shows a higher crime rate than Chesapeake, with index scores of 48.45 compared to 25.0.
Things to do in Richmond
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Richmond has plenty to offer:
Museums in Richmond
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- White House of the Confederacy
- Science Museum of Virginia
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Parks in Richmond
- Belle Isle
- Libby Hill Park
- Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System)
- Capitol Square Park
- Rockwood Park
Sports teams in Richmond
- Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
- Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East)
Universities in Richmond
- University of Richmond
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Union University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chesapeake to Richmond?
Shipping furniture from Chesapeake to Richmond with a moving company typically costs between $602 and $2,463. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,213 to $3,556. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,683 and $4,575 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Chesapeake to Richmond?
If you’re planning a move from Chesapeake to Richmond and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $566 and $1,254. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,088 to $1,909. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,271 to $2,316.
How much is a moving truck from Chesapeake to Richmond?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $124 and $180. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $137 and $230. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Chesapeake to Richmond, truck rentals usually range from $156 up to $252.
How far in advance should I book Chesapeake-to-Richmond movers?
To make your move from Chesapeake to Richmond as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Richmond?
The cheapest time of year to move to Richmond is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
