When moving from North Carolina to Virginia, expect to spend between
$1,122–$3,130 if using professional movers, about
$1,278 for a moving container, and around
$255
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from North Carolina to Virginia?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $584 – $2,277 | $487 – $1,112 | $156 – $275 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,122 – $3,130 | $935 – $1,621 | $177 – $334 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,555 – $4,162 | $1,194 – $2,039 | $215 – $373 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $584 – $2,277
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,122 – $3,130
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,555 – $4,162
How much do moving containers cost from North Carolina to Virginia?
- Small move: $487 – $1,112
- 2–3 bedrooms: $935 – $1,621
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,194 – $2,039
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $156 – $275
- 2–3 bedrooms: $177 – $334
- 4+ bedrooms: $215 – $373
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 153-mile move from NC 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 NC to VA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| North Carolina | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,093 | $1,440 |
| Average home cost | $328,715 | $392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,186 | $87,249 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 6.98% | 5.73% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 5.75% |
Will rent be more expensive in Virginia?
Rent is about 32% higher in Virginia than in North Carolina.
Avg rent: $1,093 vs. $1,440
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 19% higher in Virginia than in North Carolina.
Avg home value: $328,715 vs. $392,682
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 32% higher in Virginia than in North Carolina.
Avg income (per capita): $66,186 vs. $87,249
Is the overall cost of living higher in Virginia?
The cost of living is about the same in North Carolina and Virginia.
Cost of living index: 96 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 18% lower in Virginia than in North Carolina.
Avg sales tax: 6.98% vs. 5.73%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 28% higher in Virginia than in North Carolina.
State income tax: 4.5% vs. 5.75%
How is daily life different in Virginia compared to North Carolina?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Virginia | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,715,698 | 10,835,491 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-48 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 25ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 14″ | 4″ |
| Crime index | 19.3 | 24.69 |
Will Virginia feel more crowded than North Carolina?
Virginia is about 20% less populous than North Carolina — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic while North Carolina voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 88°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (25°F vs. 29°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Virginia?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (44″ vs. 48″).
Snow: Virginia gets more snow (14 inches vs. 4 inches).
Is Virginia safer than North Carolina?
Virginia has a lower crime index than North Carolina (19.3 vs. 24.69), 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 North Carolina to Virginia move
- 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: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- 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). Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Virginia moving license and its current status 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Virginia without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
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.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Virginia?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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?
You won’t need a moving permit in Virginia, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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 North Carolina offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 5 military discounts; 2 senior discounts; 1 educator discounts; 2 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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