Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga typically costs $2,400–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 651 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga
Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN typically costs $2,400–$6,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 651-mile move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,920 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,328 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,314 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Factors that affect moving costs from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga may only cost $1,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Virginia Beach.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,500), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chattanooga, TN to Virginia Beach, VA guide.
Best Virginia Beach to Chattanooga movers by type
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Best professional movers from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best VA→TN movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 103 Virginia moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga
Many movers find Chattanooga easier on the wallet than Virginia Beach - roughly 27% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,300 for one person in Chattanooga versus $4,533 in Virginia Beach. For a family of four, it's $4,350 compared with $5,910.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Virginia Beach | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,776 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,233 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $402,391 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,810 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,533 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,910 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 24% less expensive in Chattanooga than in Virginia Beach, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 25% cheaper in Chattanooga than in Virginia Beach.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 26% less in Chattanooga than in Virginia Beach.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Chattanooga. The cost of living for a single person there is 27% below that of Virginia Beach.
- A move to Chattanooga can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 26% lower compared to Virginia Beach.
- Chattanooga has a higher unemployment rate than Virginia Beach by about 17%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga surpass those in Virginia Beach by 54%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Virginia Beach versus Chattanooga:
| Living Expense | Virginia Beach | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $173.67 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.33 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.66 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.93 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Virginia Beach than in Chattanooga.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Virginia Beach than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs are less expensive in Virginia Beach than in Chattanooga.
- Bread costs less in Virginia Beach than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Virginia Beach than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Virginia Beach than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships cost more in Virginia Beach than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Chattanooga
| Virginia Beach | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,672 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 35 |
| Crime index | 42.0 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 58.0 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga's population is about 60% less than Virginia Beach.
- Chattanooga's public transportation score is within about 5% of Virginia Beach, making them very similar.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach's 33 out of 100.
- Chattanooga has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Virginia Beach, which has a score of 42.
- Chattanooga's crime rate is higher than Virginia Beach with a score of 53.89 compared to Virginia Beach's 42.0. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Virginia Beach with a score of 46.11 vs Virginia Beach's 58.0.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Virginia Beach it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Tennessee, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Tennessee, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chattanooga. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chattanooga
With your sights set on Scenic City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chattanooga.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
With your move to Tennessee complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chattanooga. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chattanooga is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum - Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross's Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Virginia Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga?
Want to save on your move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga take?
The 651-mile move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Chattanooga, TN, takes one to six days. Some Virginia Beach movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chattanooga.
What kinds of discounts do Virginia Beach movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Virginia Beach?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 17 movers in Virginia Beach provide piano moving services. 10 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.