Moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington costs between $275 to $6,130 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 205-mile route within Virginia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Virginia Beach to Arlington
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Virginia Beach to driving and unloading in Arlington, 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 205 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,543 - $4,492 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,254 - $2,320 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $301 - $555 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $97/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 Virginia Beach to Arlington?
It costs between $275 to $6,130 to move from Virginia Beach to Arlington. The prices below break down your 205-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $960 - $6,130
- Moving containers: $946 - $2,674
- Rental trucks: $275 - $659
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $960 - $3,542 | $946 - $1,628 | $275 - $503 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,543 - $4,492 | $1,254 - $2,320 | $301 - $555 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,033 - $6,130 | $1,612 - $2,674 | $343 - $659 |
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 | $315 - $2,625+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $97/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $210 - $840 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $210 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Virginia Beach to Arlington
At 205 miles, your Virginia Beach to Arlington 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 Virginia Beach to Arlington. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 205 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Tidal Town Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Virginia Beach to Arlington. 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 Arlington to Virginia Beach guide.
Considerations when moving from Virginia Beach to Arlington
Cost of living: Virginia Beach vs. Arlington
The cost of living in Virginia Beach vs. Arlington 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 Arlington compares to what you’re used to in Virginia Beach.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Virginia Beach | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $366,324 | $866,334 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,685 | $140,160 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Arlington are 39% higher than in Virginia Beach, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Arlington are 136% higher than in Virginia Beach, 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 Arlington, where average income is 55% higher than in Virginia Beach — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 51% higher in Arlington compared to Virginia Beach. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Arlington, plan for living expenses to be about 103% higher than in Virginia Beach. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Arlington is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Arlington is 17% lower than in Virginia Beach. 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 Arlington and Virginia Beach, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Virginia Beach, you’ll need about $4,530 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Arlington.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Arlington
Before you move, check out how life in Arlington measures up to Virginia Beach. 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.
| Virginia Beach | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,672 | 238,643 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 81-17 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 43" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 15" |
| Crime index | 42.0 | 15.67 |
Arlington sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Arlington has roughly 48% fewer people than Virginia Beach. 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.
- During the last presidential election, both Virginia Beach and Arlington supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Arlington and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach and Arlington—with winter lows around 32°F and 27°F.
- Both Virginia Beach and Arlington see similar yearly rainfall—Virginia Beach averages 47 inches, while Arlington gets 43 inches.
- Arlington gets more snow annually than Virginia Beach, with about 15 inches compared to Virginia Beach’s 6 inches.
- Arlington posts a lower crime rate than Virginia Beach, with a crime index of 15.67 compared to Virginia Beach’s 42.0.
Things to do in Arlington
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Arlington has plenty to offer:
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
Shipping furniture from Virginia Beach to Arlington with a moving company typically costs between $811 and $3,174. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,543 to $4,492. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,033 and $6,130 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
If you’re planning a move from Virginia Beach to Arlington and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $643 and $1,601. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,254 to $2,320. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,612 to $2,674.
How much is a moving truck from Virginia Beach to Arlington?
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 $264 and $464. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $301 and $555. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Virginia Beach to Arlington, truck rentals usually range from $343 up to $659.
How far in advance should I book Virginia Beach-to-Arlington movers?
To make your move from Virginia Beach to Arlington 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 Arlington?
The cheapest time of year to move to Arlington 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.
