When planning a move from California to Virginia, professional movers typically run between
$3,641 and $7,559, a moving container averages about
$3,449, and a rental truck is around
$2,416.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Virginia?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,217 – $5,239 | $1,326 – $3,366 | $1,428 – $2,631 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,641 – $7,559 | $2,284 – $4,614 | $1,471 – $3,361 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,262 – $11,474 | $3,115 – $6,679 | $1,975 – $3,883 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,217 – $5,239
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,641 – $7,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,262 – $11,474
How much do moving containers cost from California to Virginia?
- Small move: $1,326 – $3,366
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,284 – $4,614
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,115 – $6,679
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,428 – $2,631
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,471 – $3,361
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,975 – $3,883
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,647-mile move from CA to VA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to VA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,440 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $87,249 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 5.73% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
Will rent be more expensive in Virginia?
Rent is about 22% lower in Virginia than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,440
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 49% lower in Virginia than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $392,682
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in California and Virginia.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $87,249
Is the overall cost of living higher in Virginia?
The cost of living is 25% lower in Virginia than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 34% lower in Virginia than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 5.73%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 57% lower in Virginia than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 5.75%
How is daily life different in Virginia compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| 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 |
Will Virginia feel more crowded than California?
Virginia is about 78% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both California and Virginia voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Virginia is colder on average (25°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Virginia?
Rain: Virginia gets more rain (44″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Virginia gets more snow (14 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Virginia safer than California?
Virginia has a lower crime index than California (19.3 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Virginia?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Virginia move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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: Easily verify the status of a Virginia moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Virginia right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Virginia?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Virginia?
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).
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Virginia moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Virginia?
Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
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.
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