Moving from Richmond to Chesapeake, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to Chesapeake costs between $128 to $4,710 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 Richmond to Chesapeake
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Richmond to Chesapeake are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Richmond to driving and unloading in Chesapeake, 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 | $1,237 - $3,413 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,016 - $1,965 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $129 - $228 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Mr. Moving, LLC | $100/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 Richmond to Chesapeake?
It costs between $128 to $4,710 to move from Richmond to Chesapeake. The prices below break down your 104-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $668 - $4,710
- Moving containers: $857 - $2,180
- Rental trucks: $128 - $231
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $668 - $3,037 | $857 - $1,392 | $128 - $192 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,237 - $3,413 | $1,016 - $1,965 | $129 - $228 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,734 - $4,710 | $1,311 - $2,180 | $163 - $231 |
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 | $285 - $2,375+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $190 - $760 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $48 - $190 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Richmond to Chesapeake
At 104 miles, your Richmond to Chesapeake 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 Richmond to Chesapeake. 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
Mr. Moving, LLC is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Richmond to Chesapeake. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 87.3% of their 102 verified reviews are positive.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chesapeake to Richmond guide.
Considerations when moving from Richmond to Chesapeake
Cost of living: Richmond vs. Chesapeake
The cost of living in Richmond vs. Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake compares to what you’re used to in Richmond.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Richmond | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,800 |
| Average home cost | $327,959 | $359,218 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,671 | $94,189 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,270 | $1,882 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,336 | $3,656 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Chesapeake are 13% higher than in Richmond, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Chesapeake are 10% higher than in Richmond, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Chesapeake, where average income is 50% higher than in Richmond — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- The cost of living for a single person in Chesapeake is 17% lower than in Richmond, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 31% lower in Chesapeake than in Richmond. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 30% lower than in Richmond. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Chesapeake and Richmond, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Richmond, you’ll need about $2,490 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Richmond vs. Chesapeake
Before you move, check out how life in Chesapeake measures up to Richmond. 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.
| Richmond | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 249,422 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 52-46 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 31ºF |
| Annual rain | 44" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 11" | 5" |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 25.0 |
Chesapeake sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Chesapeake has a population roughly 10% higher than Richmond. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- In the last presidential election, Chesapeake voted Democratic, while Richmond leaned Republican.
- You’ll find that both Chesapeake and Richmond 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 Richmond and Chesapeake—with winter lows around 28°F and 31°F.
- Both Richmond and Chesapeake see similar yearly rainfall—Richmond averages 44 inches, while Chesapeake gets 47 inches.
- Richmond usually gets more snow each year than Chesapeake, with 11 annually compared to Chesapeake’s 5.
- Chesapeake posts a lower crime rate than Richmond, with a crime index of 25.0 compared to Richmond’s 48.45.
Things to do in Chesapeake
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Chesapeake has plenty to offer:
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Richmond to Chesapeake?
Shipping furniture from Richmond to Chesapeake with a moving company typically costs between $602 and $2,565. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,237 to $3,413. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,734 and $4,710 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Chesapeake?
If you’re planning a move from Richmond to Chesapeake 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 $1,294. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,016 to $1,965. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,311 to $2,180.
How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Chesapeake?
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 $126 and $180. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $129 and $228. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Richmond to Chesapeake, truck rentals usually range from $163 up to $231.
How far in advance should I book Richmond-to-Chesapeake movers?
To make your move from Richmond to Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake?
The cheapest time of year to move to Chesapeake 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.
