($1,660) Cost of Moving From California to Virginia

Quick answer: When you’re moving from California to Virginia, you’ll typically spend between $1,928 and $9,898. Most moves take around seven–21 days. Keep in mind that your final cost can vary based on your home’s size, when you move, and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself.

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  • Veteran owned
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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Virginia to California guide.

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The best California to Virginia full-service movers

Thinking about moving from California to Virginia? With so many movers out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the legwork, digging into reviews, comparing pricing, and analyzing each mover’s services, to bring you the best interstate moving companies.

Kick off your move from California to Virginia with these highly rated long-distance moving pros in California.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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866-825-0554
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
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(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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The best local moving companies in California

Finding a trustworthy local moving company can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you choose with confidence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated local movers in California based on reputation, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.

  1. Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  4. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591
Get a Quote

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Best California Movers & Storage
  • An Moving Forward
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Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 3670248

Years in Business: 14

274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.

Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3670248
  • State license #: 0190673
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Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Packers
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Republic Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3369820

Years in Business: 31

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154

Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.

Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3369820
  • State license #: 0190491
  • DOD certified

Alternative Business Names

  • Lovejoy's Family Moving
  • Republic Relocation Services

Local Associations

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Air 1 Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1095485

Years in Business: 22

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
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The best California to Virginia moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in California and delivering it to your new place in Virginia.

Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best California to Virginia moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to Virginia, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best California to Virginia labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from California to Virginia:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 31
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 22
  • Yelp: 3.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to VA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

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.

How much does it cost to move from California to Virginia?

Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Virginia, broken down by home size and type of moving service.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,660 - $6,861 $1,635 - $4,238 $1,852 - $3,448
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,674 - $9,898 $2,992 - $6,485 $1,928 - $4,147
4+ bedrooms $8,436 - $14,434 $4,289 - $8,236 $2,535 - $5,294

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,646 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from California to Virginia

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Virginia typically costs between $1,660 and $6,861. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,674 and $9,898 when moving from CA to VA. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Virginia, you’re looking at costs ranging from $8,436 up to $14,434.

Cost of moving containers from California to Virginia

If you're moving from California to Virginia, expect to pay between $1,635 and $4,238 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,992 up to $6,485. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,289 and $8,236. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals 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.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,852 to $3,448. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,928 to $4,147, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Virginia costs around $2,535 to $5,294.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to VA

Several factors can influence your moving costs from California to Virginia. Here’s what could impact your final bill:

  • Move size: Larger homes are pricier to move than smaller spaces like studios.
  • Time of year: Prices rise during summer, which is peak moving season in California.
  • DIY vs. professional movers: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you time and hassle.

What to know before moving from CA to VA

When moving from California to Virginia, be sure to check out how your new state stacks up against your current one.

Cost of living: California vs. Virginia

Before you move, it’s a good idea to compare living expenses in California and Virginia. This simple side-by-side overview highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, so you can see how your budget might change. Take a look at how these two states measure up when it comes to the essentials that impact your cost of living:

California Virginia
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,440
Average home cost $771,057 $392,682
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $87,249
Cost of Living Index 134 0
Unemployment rate 5.4% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 5.73%
State Income Tax 13.3% 5.75%
  • Expect to pay around 22% less in rent in Virginia than in California, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
  • Good news for your budget—home prices in Virginia are around 49% lower than in California. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
  • Make sure to review your budget before you move. The average incomes in Virginia are about 5% lower than in California.
  • Moving to Virginia is about 100% cheaper than living in California. You’ll save big, but planning ahead is still essential for an easy move.
  • With an unemployment rate roughly 46% lower than California, Virginia offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
  • Sales tax in Virginia is 34% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Virginia can really help lower your monthly costs.
  • Income taxes in Virginia are 57% lower than in California. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.

How life is different in Virginia vs. California

Relocating to a new state is more than just scoring a job or signing a lease, it’s all about how your daily life will shape up. Things like weather, safety, local vibes, and community size can really impact your experience. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what life is like in Virginia compared to California across a few key lifestyle factors:

Virginia California
Population 8,715,698 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 52-48 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 87ºF 87ºF
Winter low 25ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 44" 22"
Annual snow 14" 7"
Crime index 19.3 28.43
  • With a population roughly 78% smaller than California, Virginia gives you more space, a more relaxed vibe, and lower living expenses. Just remember, you might notice fewer amenities around and a job market that’s not quite as fast-paced.
  • In the most recent presidential election, Virginia leaned Democratic, while California went with Democratic.
  • Summer temperatures usually hit around 87ºF in Virginia and 87ºF in California. If those numbers are close, you’ll likely have an easy time getting used to the new climate. Just don’t forget to think about humidity, typical weather, and energy costs to get the full picture of summer in your new place.
  • In the coldest months, temperatures in Virginia can dip to around 25ºF, while California typically only sees lows near 59ºF. Relocating to Virginia means getting used to colder winters, which might mean higher heating bills, new routines, and harsher weather. On the upside, you’ll also get to experience the seasonal charm and activities that come with the snow.
  • for about 44 inches of rain each year in Virginia—a big shift from the 22 inches you’re used to in California. While the extra rain makes for lush landscapes, it also means more wet days. Don’t forget your rain gear and be ready to adapt for a smooth, comfortable transition.
  • Every year, Virginia gets around 14 inches of snow, much more than the 7 inches that California typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter and need plenty of warm gear.
  • Virginia is a safer choice than California, boasting a lower crime index of 19.3 compared to 28.43. You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind. While crime rates aren't everything, it's reassuring to know you're moving somewhere relatively safe.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Virginia

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Virginia compared to California.

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

Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from California to 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

Other things to consider for your California to Virginia move

  • 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: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
  • Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
  • Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
  • 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). Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
  • State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Virginia moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Virginia, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Virginia right on time. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Things to do in Virginia

Get excited to explore Virginia. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:

Museums in Virginia

  • Colonial Williamsburg
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  • Historic Jamestowne
  • Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
  • Military Aviation Museum

Parks in Virginia

  • Mill Mountain Star & Park
  • Morven Park
  • The Mariners' Museum & Park
  • Great Falls Park
  • Leesylvania State Park

Sports Teams in Virginia

  • Fredericksburg Nationals (Low-A East)
  • Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
  • Lynchburg Hillcats (Low-A East)
  • Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
  • Norfolk Tides Baseball (Triple-A East)

Universities in Virginia

  • University of Virginia
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • George Mason University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • College of William & Mary

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Virginia? toggle

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Virginia? toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Virginia separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Virginia? toggle

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.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Virginia? toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Virginia than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Virginia, with average rent about 22% less and home prices 49.1% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia? toggle

You should make approximately $ 72,647 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Virginia. The cost of living in Virginia is approximately $ 3,208 per month for an individual and $ 4,783 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Virginia you live For example, larger cities like Virginia Beach and Chesapeake will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources