Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best IL→VA movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 100 Illinois movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Virginia Beach

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Virginia Beach runs about 24% higher for singles and -36% higher for families than Chicago.

Singles spend around $4,533 in Virginia Beach versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $5,910 compared with $9,266.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Chicago	Virginia Beach
Average 1 BR rent	$2,368	$1,776
Average 3 BR rent	$4,581	$3,233
Average home value	$295,743	$402,391
Average income (per capita)	$71,566	$81,810
Cost of living (single)	$3,648	$4,533
Cost of living (family of four)	$9,266	$5,910
Unemployment rate	9.0%	4.8%
Sales tax	10.25%	6.0%
State income tax	4.95%	5.75%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Switching from Chicago to Virginia Beach won't strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 36% higher in Virginia Beach than in Chicago.
Exciting news here, the average income is about 14% higher in Virginia Beach than in Chicago, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
Anticipate increased living expenses in Virginia Beach, as the cost of living for a single person in Virginia Beach is 24% greater than in Chicago. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
Relocating to Virginia Beach could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 36% lower than in Chicago.
With an unemployment rate approximately 47% lower than Chicago, Virginia Beach boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
Sales taxes are 41% lower in Virginia Beach than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
Income taxes are 16% higher in Virginia than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Chicago and Virginia Beach, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense	Chicago	Virginia Beach
Basic utilities	$191.26	$173.67
Cell phone plan	$61.10	$48.33
Dozen eggs	$4.52	$3.66
Loaf of bread	$4.15	$2.93
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$25.00	$18.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$100.00	$90.00
Gym membership	$78.31	$50.00

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Virginia Beach.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Virginia Beach.
Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Virginia Beach.
Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Virginia Beach.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Virginia Beach.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Virginia Beach.
Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Virginia Beach.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Virginia Beach

	Chicago	Virginia Beach
Population	2,746,388	457,672
Transportation score	9	3
Walkability score	77	33
Bike friendliness score	72	42
Crime index	35.19	42.0
Safety index	33.87	58.0
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Virginia Beach's population is about 83% less than Chicago.
Virginia Beach's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
Virginia Beach is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
Virginia Beach has a bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
Virginia Beach's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
Virginia Beach is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 58.0 vs Chicago's 33.87.
Air quality in Virginia Beach is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago to Virginia Beach move

HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Virginia, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Virginia Beach without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Virginia Beach

Ready to relocate to Neptune City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Virginia Beach.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Hilltop
Alanton
Great Neck
Kempsville
Bayside

Best neighborhoods for families

Great Neck
Red Mill
Kempsville
Ocean Lakes
Alanton

Things to do in Virginia Beach

Now that you've made the move to Virginia, it's the perfect time to explore Virginia Beach. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Virginia Beach include museums and art centers like the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and Ferry Plantation House.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Neptune's Park, Mount Trashmore Park, Bayville Farms Park, and Great Neck Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Virginia Beach?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Virginia Beach. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Virginia Beach?

With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Virginia Beach in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Chicago to Virginia Beach take?

Covering 899 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA typically takes two to seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Virginia Beach can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Chicago offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.

Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.

How many movers in Chicago can handle specialty items for my move to Virginia Beach?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Chicago, 54 movers can handle pianos. 40 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.