$1,510 Movers From California to Virginia
Fact Checked by: The cost to move from California to Virginia averages from $1,935 to $9,363 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Virginia to California guide.
Moving from California to Virginia resources
- Best California to Virginia movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from California to Virginia.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Virginia car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 2,647 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to Virginia movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Virginia is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Virginia.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from California to Virginia?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to Virginia for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,510 - $6,239 | $1,580 - $3,970 | $1,650 - $3,428 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,468 - $9,363 | $2,691 - $5,901 | $1,935 - $3,728 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,653 - $14,360 | $3,748 - $7,875 | $2,305 - $4,575 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,647 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Virginia will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Virginia?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Virginia will cost between $1,510 to $6,239. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to VA will range from $4,468 to $9,363, and a large move from California to Virginia will cost from $8,653 to $14,360.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Virginia?
Moving containers from California to Virginia will cost you $1,580 to $3,970 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,691 to $5,901. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,748 to $7,875. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
How much is a moving truck from California to Virginia?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,650 to $3,428. A larger move will cost $1,935 to $3,728, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Virginia costs from $2,305 to $4,575.
Is moving from California to Virginia a good idea?
If you’re moving to Virginia from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: California vs Virginia
| California | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,586 | $1,257 |
| Average home cost | $746,055 | $372,801 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $87,249 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 0 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 3.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 5.73% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 21% less expensive in Virginia than in California.
- Home prices are about 50.0% lower in Virginia than in California.
- The average income is about 5.1% lower in Virginia than in California.
- Cost of living is 100.0% lower in Virginia than in California.
- Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 31.3%.
- Sales taxes are 33.99% lower in Virginia than in California.
- Income taxes are 56.77% lower in Virginia than in California.
How is life different in Virginia from California?
| Virginia | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,683,619 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 54-44 | Democratic 63-34 |
| Summer High | 87ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter Low | 25ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual Rain | 44" | 22" |
| Annual Snow | 14" | 7" |
| Crime Index | 17.05 | 27.88 |
- The population of Virginia is approximately 78% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Virginia is 87ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Virginia reaches the temperature of 25ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Virginia vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Virginia, it snows about 14 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Virginia has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 17.05.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Virginia:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Virginia side-by-side.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Virginia |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Strong economy |
| Pleasant weather | Beautiful scenery |
| Abundant recreational options | Abundance of outdoor activities |
| High quality of life | Enjoyable four season weather |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Virginia:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Virginia.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Virginia |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Heavy tax burdens | Unpredictable weather |
| Natural disasters | Bad traffic congestion |
| Terrible traffic | Lack of public transportation |
| Strange laws | Air noise pollution |
Considerations for moving to Virginia
- Weather: Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
- HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 verify a Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Virginia. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (805) 544-6328 |
| Maison Moving | Get A Quote |
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1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA, 92780 (800) 832-5950 |
| Two Men and a Truck | Get A Quote |
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8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95828 (916) 596-9374 |
Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Things to do in Virginia
While you’re in Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.
- Virginia Beach
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Busch Gardens
- The Natural Bridge
- Manassas National Battlefield Park
- Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
- George Washington's Mount Vernon
- Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive
- Richmond Canal Walk
- Luray Caverns
- Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Historic Jamestowne
- Maymont Park
- Nauticus
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Military Aviation Museum
- Virginia State Capitol
FAQs about moving from California to Virginia
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Virginia?
The cheapest way to move from California to Virginia is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Virginia?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in Virginia such as strong economy and beautiful scenery.
