($1,120) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Richmond

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Richmond, you can expect to spend between $1,120 and $3,786. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,246 to $5,130 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Richmond typically runs between $3,696 and $7,403.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Richmond

When moving from Chicago to Richmond, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $705 and $1,764. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,322 to $2,573. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,684 up to $3,423. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Richmond

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Richmond. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $557 and $960. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $602 and $1,151. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $703 and $1,425.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 22% lower in Richmond than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 19% higher in Richmond than in Chicago.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 17% less in Richmond than in Chicago.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Richmond, where the cost of living for a single person is 38% less than in Chicago.
• Moving to Richmond could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 42% less than in Chicago.
• Richmond experiences an unemployment rate that is about 21% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 41% lower in Richmond than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Richmond can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 16% higher in Virginia compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Richmond’s population is about 92% less than Chicago.
• Richmond’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Richmond is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Richmond has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Richmond’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 48.45 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Richmond is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 51.55 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Richmond is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Virginia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Richmond smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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

• Monroe Ward
• The Fan District
• The Museum District
• Woodland Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bellevue
• Byrd Park
• Museum District
• Three Chopt
• Westover Hills

Things to do in Richmond

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

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Richmond offers cultural landmarks like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, and Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Richmond Kickers (USL League One)Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.