$1,308 Movers from Chicago to Richmond

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA averages from $690 to $6,361 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Richmond, VA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

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

Moving From Chicago to Richmond

Moving 799 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best Chicago to Richmond Moving Companies

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
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(855) 929-4120

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Richmond?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,308 - $4,553 $884 - $2,143 $638 - $1,203
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,573 - $6,361 $1,590 - $3,126 $690 - $1,428
4+ bedrooms $4,402 - $8,817 $2,133 - $4,076 $864 - $1,732
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 799 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Richmond will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to Richmond?

To ship furniture from Chicago to Richmond with a mover will cost between $1,308 to $4,553. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,573 to $6,361, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Richmond will cost from $4,402 to $8,817.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Richmond?

Moving containers from Chicago to Richmond will cost you $884 to $2,143 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,590 to $3,126. A larger home will cost $2,133 to $4,076.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Richmond?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $638 to $1,203. A larger move will cost $690 to $1,428, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Richmond costs from $864 to $1,732.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA

Cost of Living: Chicago vs Richmond

Chicago Richmond
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,195
Average home value $306,098 $310,997
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $47,250
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $894
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,172
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 6.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 5.75%
  • Rent Prices in Richmond, VA are 25% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • Home Prices in Richmond, VA are 1.6% higher than in Chicago, IL.
  • Income in Richmond, VA is 28.0% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in Richmond, VA is 10.7% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • Cost of Living for a family in Richmond, VA is 11.5% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • Unemployment rate in Richmond, VA is 22.22% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • Sales Taxes in Richmond, VA are 41.46% lower than in Chicago, IL.
  • State Income Taxes in Richmond, VA are 16.16% higher than in Chicago, IL.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,679.3 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA?

Richmond Chicago
Population 226,610 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 92 77
Bike friendliness score 79 72
Crime Index 35.3 35.19
Safety Index 52.74 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Richmond’s population is about 92% less than Chicago.
  • Richmond’s public transportation is better than Chicago with a score of 8 vs 9.
  • Richmond is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 92 vs 77.
  • Richmond is more bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 79 vs 72.
  • Richmond's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 35.3 compared to 35.19.
  • Richmond is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 52.74 vs 33.87.
  • Air Quality in Richmond is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Richmond, VA

  • Weather: Richmond has a humid subtropical climate, with very hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. Precipitation is rather uniformly distributed throughout the year. Dry periods lasting several weeks sometimes occur, especially in autumn, when long periods of pleasant, mild weather are most common..
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Richmond. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Chicago Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moovers Chicago Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
(773) 474-2691
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
4305 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(847) 378-4949

Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Richmond, VA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Capital of the South", these are the best neighborhoods in Richmond to move to.

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

What to do in Richmond

Moving to The “Capital of the South”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Virginia home.

  • Canal Walk
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  • Maymont
  • Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
  • Virginia State Capitol
  • Monument Avenue
  • Hollywood Cemetery
  • Science Museum of Virginia
  • Richmond National Battlefield Park
  • The White House and Museum of the Confederacy

Get your sports on!

Richmond is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
  • Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Richmond

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Richmond?

The best time to move from Chicago to Richmond is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 28ºF in Richmond.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Richmond?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Richmond in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on getting discounts on moving services to learn more.

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Learn more about Richmond