($1,411+) Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA

Moving from Richmond, VA, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $1,411 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,571 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,581 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,265, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,571 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,766 - $6,686, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,411 - $3,869.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Richmond, VA, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,547 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA

Moving options from Richmond to Ontario fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,547 - $6,972 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 32% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 58% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,581-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,581-mile route from Richmond to Ontario, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,265 - $5,705 $1,766 - $3,356 $1,411 - $2,678 $1,704 - $3,147
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,547 - $6,972 $2,408 - $4,864 $1,481 - $3,417 $1,850 - $3,892
4+ bedrooms $6,406 - $10,571 $3,154 - $6,686 $1,931 - $3,869 $2,679 - $5,242

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA

Hiring full-service movers from Richmond, Virginia, to Ontario, California, costs between $2,265 and $10,571. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,581-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $314 - $2,092, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Richmond and Ontario. For a rough baseline, movers based in Richmond tend to start around $360 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Richmond to Ontario:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,265 - $5,705
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,547 - $6,972
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,406 - $10,571

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Richmond to Ontario.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA

Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Richmond movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ontario, 54% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing74% of local movers$523 - $5,230
Storage in transitNew place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$209 - $1,255/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$314 - $2,510
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers$1,046 - $3,138
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,615 - $10,460
Car shippingSecond vehicle$783 - $1,488
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$1,046 - $2,615
PianoAny piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$837 - $3,661
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers$314 - $1,569
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$680 - $2,092
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$314 - $15,690+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$314 - $3,661+

What are the best full-service movers from Richmond to Ontario?

California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Richmond, VA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA

Moving containers from Richmond, Virginia, to Ontario, California, cost between $1,766 and $6,686. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Ontario. If you go over that window, storage in Richmond adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Richmond to Ontario:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,766 - $3,356
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,408 - $4,864
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,154 - $6,686

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Richmond, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $732, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Richmond, VA, and Ontario, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,766. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,408 - $4,864.

What are the best moving containers Richmond to Ontario?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Richmond to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Richmond:

  • Mr. Moving, LLC (4.6/5), 6 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 9 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 2,581-mile move from Richmond, Virginia, to Ontario, California, costs between $1,411 and $3,869, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $859 - $982
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Richmond daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Richmond to Ontario based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $2,678
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,481 - $3,417
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,931 - $3,869

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,411 - $3,869 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Richmond to Ontario. Fuel ($859 - $982), lodging at around $157/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $157 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Richmond, Virginia, usually costs about $732 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 2,581-mile drive falls between $859 and $982, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $314 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Richmond to Ontario?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Richmond, Virginia, to Ontario, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,850 and $3,892.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Richmond to Ontario:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,704 - $3,147
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,850 - $3,892
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,679 - $5,242

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Richmond, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $732.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Richmond to Ontario?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Richmond, VA vs Ontario, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ontario, side by side with Richmond on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Richmond, VA Ontario, CA
Cost of living index95119
Average rent$1,595/mo$2,619/mo
Median home value$327,959$564,076
Average income$62,671/yr$82,806/yr
Unemployment rate7.1%6.9%
State income taxUp to 5.75%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score51/10048/100
Safety index51.55/10049.75/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA guide.

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Our take

For a move from Richmond, VA, to Ontario, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,265 for a studio to $10,571 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,581-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,766 - $6,686. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,411 - $3,869, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,547 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.

FAQs: Moving from Richmond, VA, to Ontario, CA

What do local movers charge in Richmond?

Local movers based in Richmond typically start around $360 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Ontario run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

How much does it cost to move from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,411 to $10,571, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,265 and $10,571, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What is the cheapest way to move from Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,481 - $3,417. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($859 - $982), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What percentage of Richmond movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 43% of movers in Richmond handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.