Manchester, NH to Richmond, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best NH→VA movers

moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 22 New Hampshire 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 Manchester to Richmond

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Richmond runs about -7% higher for singles and 2% higher for families than Manchester.

Singles spend around $2,270 in Richmond versus $2,449 in Manchester; families pay $5,336 compared with $5,256.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Manchester	Richmond
Average 1 BR rent	$1,767	$1,537
Average 3 BR rent	$2,461	$2,539
Average home value	$410,329	$350,897
Average income (per capita)	$67,132	$59,606
Cost of living (single)	$2,449	$2,270
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,256	$5,336
Unemployment rate	3.8%	7.1%
Sales tax	0.0%	6.0%
State income tax	4.0%	5.75%

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

Rent is about 20% less expensive in Richmond than in Manchester, 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 14% cheaper in Richmond than in Manchester.
You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 11% less in Richmond than in Manchester.
Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Richmond. The cost of living for a single person there is 7% below that of Manchester.
The cost of living for a family between Richmond and Manchester remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
Richmond has a higher unemployment rate than Manchester by about 87%. 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.
Richmond has a sales tax, while Manchester does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
Income taxes are 44% more in Virginia than in New Hampshire. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Manchester versus Richmond:

Living Expense	Manchester	Richmond
Basic utilities	$218.54	$148.21
Cell phone plan	$51.38	$51.67
Dozen eggs	$4.53	$4.95
Loaf of bread	$3.01	$3.66
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$27.50	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$85.00	$100.00
Gym membership	$81.25	$59.72

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Manchester than in Richmond.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Manchester than in Richmond.
Eggs are less expensive in Manchester than in Richmond.
Bread costs less in Manchester than in Richmond.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Manchester than in Richmond.
A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Manchester than in Richmond.
Gym memberships cost more in Manchester than in Richmond.

How life is different in Manchester vs. Richmond

	Manchester	Richmond
Population	115,644	226,610
Transportation score	3	7
Walkability score	51	51
Bike friendliness score	42	51
Crime index	56.09	48.45
Safety index	43.91	51.55
Air quality	Good	Good

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

Richmond's population is about 96% greater than Manchester.
Richmond's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Manchester's score of 3.
Richmond and Manchester are similarly walkable.
With a score of 51 out of 100, Richmond is more bike-friendly than Manchester, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Richmond's crime rate is lower than Manchester with a score of 48.45 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
Richmond is considered to be safer than Manchester with a safety index of 51.55 vs Manchester's 43.91.
Air quality in Richmond is Good, and in Manchester it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Manchester to Richmond 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: 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Virginia, 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 Richmond. Get started here.
Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Richmond

With your sights set on Capital of the South, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Richmond.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Monroe Ward
The Fan District
The Museum District
Woodland Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

Bellevue
Byrd Park
Museum District
Three Chopt
Westover Hills

Things to do in Richmond

With your move to Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Richmond. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Richmond is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, and Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park — 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 Richmond Kickers (USL League One)Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Manchester to Richmond?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Manchester to Richmond. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Manchester.

When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Richmond?

Want to save on your move from Manchester to Richmond? 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 Manchester to Richmond take?

The 587-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Richmond, VA, takes one to six days. Some Manchester movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Richmond.

What kinds of discounts do Manchester 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 Manchester?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 26 movers in Manchester provide piano moving services. 14 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 19 piano movers and 9 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.