($1,439+) Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA

The cost to move from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA ranges from $1,308 to $11,468, with an average cost of $4,400. Moves can be as low as $1,439 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 2,583 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA

Moving options from Ontario to Richmond fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,308 - $11,468 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,400, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,583 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,583-mile route from Ontario to Richmond, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,308 - $5,888 $1,821 - $3,426 $1,496 - $2,678 $1,720 - $3,021
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,881 - $8,018 $2,408 - $4,766 $1,512 - $3,122 $1,850 - $3,932
4+ bedrooms $6,876 - $11,468 $3,122 - $7,020 $2,029 - $4,192 $2,471 - $5,510

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA

For the 2,583-mile move from Ontario, California, to Richmond, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,308 and $11,468. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $328 - $2,188 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Ontario generally start around $248 plus $110 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ontario to Richmond:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,308 - $5,888
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,881 - $8,018
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,876 - $11,468

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Ontario to Richmond.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA

Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Ontario movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Richmond, 65% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing76% of local movers$547 - $5,470
Storage in transitNew place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC$219 - $1,313/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$328 - $2,626
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers$1,094 - $3,282
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,735 - $10,940
Car shippingSecond vehicle$819 - $1,557
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC$1,094 - $2,735
PianoAny piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC$875 - $3,829
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers$328 - $1,641
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA)$711 - $2,188
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$328 - $16,410+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$328 - $3,829+

What are the best full-service movers from Ontario to Richmond?

Movers licensed to operate in Virginia are typically members of the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Ontario, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA

Moving containers from Ontario, California, to Richmond, Virginia, cost between $1,821 and $7,020. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Ontario runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ontario to Richmond:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,821 - $3,426
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,408 - $4,766
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,122 - $7,020

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $766 in Ontario, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $164 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Richmond, VA, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,821. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,408 - $4,766.

What are the best moving containers Ontario to Richmond?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Ontario to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Ontario:

  • Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
  • Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
  • Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA

Renting a moving truck for the 2,583-mile move from Ontario, California, to Richmond, Virginia, costs between $1,496 and $4,192, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $899 - $1,028
  • Daily insurance: $33/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • Ontario daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Ontario to Richmond based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,496 - $2,678
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,512 - $3,122
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,029 - $4,192

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,496 - $4,192 does not include fuel ($899 - $1,028), lodging ($164/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Ontario to Richmond typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $164 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Ontario, California, usually costs about $766 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 2,583-mile drive falls between $899 and $1,028, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $55 and $328 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Ontario to Richmond?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Ontario, California, to Richmond, Virginia. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,850 and $3,932.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ontario to Richmond:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,720 - $3,021
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,850 - $3,932
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,471 - $5,510

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $82 and $164.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Ontario, California, for roughly five hours typically average $766.

What are the best freight companies from Ontario to Richmond?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Ontario to Richmond. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Ontario, CA vs Richmond, VA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Richmond, side by side with Ontario on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Ontario, CA Richmond, VA
Cost of living index11995
Average rent$2,619/mo$1,595/mo
Median home value$564,076$327,959
Average income$82,806/yr$62,671/yr
Unemployment rate6.9%7.1%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 5.75%
Walkability score48/10051/100
Safety index49.75/10051.55/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond, VA to Ontario, CA guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Virginia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,583-mile move like this one.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Ontario, CA, to Richmond, VA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,308 - $11,468 on the 2,583-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,821 - $7,020 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,496 - $4,192 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,881 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Brink's and CarMax.

FAQs: Moving from Ontario, CA, to Richmond, VA

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

How much does it cost to move from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,439 to $11,468, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,308 and $11,468, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What is the cheapest way to move from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,512 - $3,122. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($899 - $1,028), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $164/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from Ontario, CA to Richmond, VA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What percentage of Ontario movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 38% of movers in Ontario handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.