When planning a move from New York to Virginia, professional movers typically run between
$1,476 and $4,296, a moving container averages about
$1,600, and a rental truck is around
$557.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from New York to Virginia?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $865 – $2,603 | $579 – $1,417 | $336 – $623 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,476 – $4,296 | $1,048 – $2,153 | $369 – $746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,413 – $6,009 | $1,521 – $2,719 | $445 – $859 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $865 – $2,603
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,476 – $4,296
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,413 – $6,009
How much do moving containers cost from New York to Virginia?
- Small move: $579 – $1,417
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,048 – $2,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,521 – $2,719
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $336 – $623
- 2–3 bedrooms: $369 – $746
- 4+ bedrooms: $445 – $859
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 388-mile move from NY 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 NY to VA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| New York | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,507 | $1,440 |
| Average home cost | $482,742 | $392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,386 | $87,249 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 8.52% | 5.73% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 5.75% |
Will rent be more expensive in Virginia?
Rent is about the same in New York and Virginia.
Avg rent: $1,507 vs. $1,440
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 19% lower in Virginia than in New York.
Avg home value: $482,742 vs. $392,682
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% higher in Virginia than in New York.
Avg income (per capita): $81,386 vs. $87,249
Is the overall cost of living higher in Virginia?
The cost of living is about the same in New York and Virginia.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 33% lower in Virginia than in New York.
Avg sales tax: 8.52% vs. 5.73%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 47% lower in Virginia than in New York.
State income tax: 10.9% vs. 5.75%
How is daily life different in Virginia compared to New York?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Virginia | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,715,698 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-48 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 25ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 14″ | 62″ |
| Crime index | 19.3 | 21.51 |
Will Virginia feel more crowded than New York?
Virginia is about 55% less populous than New York — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both New York and Virginia voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Virginia is hotter on average (87°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Virginia is milder on average (25°F vs. 16°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Virginia?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (44″ vs. 44″).
Snow: Virginia gets less snow (14 inches vs. 62 inches).
Is Virginia safer than New York?
Virginia has a lower crime index than New York (19.3 vs. 21.51), 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 New York 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 New York offer discounts: 7 military discounts; 6 senior discounts; 2 student 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.
Helpful moving resources
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