Modesto, CA to Chesapeake, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Chesapeake typically costs $5,000–$9,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,938 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Chesapeake
Moving from Modesto, CA to Chesapeake, VA typically costs $5,000–$9,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,938-mile move from Modesto to Chesapeake, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,316 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,672 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $12,838 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 05, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 25, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 23, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 12, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Chesapeake
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $3,200, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $15,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,900–$5,200) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chesapeake, VA to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Chesapeake movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Chesapeake
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Modesto to Chesapeake, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→VA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Chesapeake
Many movers find Chesapeake easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 19% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,882 for one person in Chesapeake versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $3,656 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,775 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $2,250 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $375,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $1,882 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $3,656 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Budgeting for a move from Modesto to Chesapeake won't necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 15% less in Chesapeake than in Modesto.
- Fortunately, the average income in Chesapeake and Modesto is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chesapeake. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 19% lower than in Modesto.
- Choosing to move to Chesapeake can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than in Modesto.
- Chesapeake enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 38% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 32% in Chesapeake compared to Modesto, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 57% less in Virginia than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Chesapeake:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Chesapeake |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $302.50 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $3.36 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.17 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $13.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Chesapeake, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Chesapeake.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Chesapeake.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Chesapeake.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Modesto than in Chesapeake.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Chesapeake.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Chesapeake
| Modesto | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 249,422 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 21 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 35 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 25.0 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 70.88 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chesapeake's population is about 14% greater than Modesto.
- Chesapeake's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Modesto's score of 5.
- Chesapeake is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Modesto, which has a score of 48.
- Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 25.0 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 70.88 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Chesapeake is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Chesapeake move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Virginia doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chesapeake. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chesapeake
Now that you've decided to make the move to Chesapeake, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chesapeake.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Capital District
- Central Office
- East Ghent
- Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
- Colonial Village
- North Ghent
- North Highland
- Ghent
- North Rosslyn
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenbrier
- Great Bridge
- Hickory
Things to do in Chesapeake
Once you're settled into your new home in Virginia, it's time to get out and discover what Chesapeake has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chesapeake, such as the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball)Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Chesapeake?
The best time to move from Modesto to Chesapeake is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Chesapeake?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Chesapeake, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Chesapeake take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Chesapeake, VA covers 2,938 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chesapeake.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
