Top Chicago, IL to Chesapeake, VA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chesapeake to Chicago guide.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Virginia

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Virginia, you can expect prices to land between $1,490 and $5,419. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,830 to $6,830 for the trip from IL to VA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $4,891 and $9,325.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Virginia

When you're heading from Illinois to Virginia, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $993 and $2,535. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,748 and $3,493. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,471 to $4,573. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Virginia

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $788 and $1,474. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $769 to $1,768. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,046 and $2,006.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Rent prices in Chesapeake are 12% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in Chesapeake are 26.9% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Chesapeake is 11.3% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chesapeake — including Dollar Tree, Chesapeake City Schools, and Coast Guard Exchange System — may pay more.
• 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 48.4% lower than in Chicago.
• A move to Chesapeake can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 60.5% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chesapeake, since the city's sales taxes in Chesapeake are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Chesapeake are 16.16% higher than in Chicago.

• Chesapeake might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 91% less than Chicago.
• Getting around Chesapeake without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Chesapeake has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Chesapeake neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 21 out of 100, Chesapeake isn't as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Chesapeake, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Chesapeake earned a 35. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• Chesapeake has a lower crime rate than Chicago based on scores of 25.0 and Chicago's 35.19, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Chesapeake than in Chicago, based on Chesapeake's safety index of 70.88 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Chesapeake and Chicago is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chesapeake. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Capital District
• East Ghent
• Colonial Village
• North Highland
• Ghent

Best neighborhoods for families

• Greenbrier
• Great Bridge
• Hickory

Things to do in Chesapeake

After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it's time to see what Chesapeake is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chesapeake include museums and art centers like 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball) and Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports) game.