$1,291 Movers From Chicago, IL to Virginia

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Virginia averages from $672 to $6,212 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to Virginia resources

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

Moving 738 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Chicago to Virginia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Chicago to Virginia is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Virginia.

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

% of users select this mover

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

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

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

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(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, IL to Virginia?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Chicago to Virginia:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,291 - $4,453 $856 - $1,990 $598 - $1,111
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,621 - $6,212 $1,635 - $2,901 $672 - $1,374
4+ bedrooms $4,356 - $8,547 $2,044 - $3,972 $865 - $1,632
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 738 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, IL to Virginia will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to Virginia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Virginia will cost between $1,291 to $4,453. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to VA will range from $2,621 to $6,212, and a large move from Chicago to Virginia will cost from $4,356 to $8,547.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to Virginia?

Moving pods from Chicago to Virginia will cost you $856 to $1,990. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,635 to $2,901. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,044 to $3,972. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to Virginia.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL to Virginia?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $598 to $1,111. A larger move will cost $672 to $1,374, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to Virginia costs from $865 to $1,632.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Virginia a good idea?

If you’re moving to Virginia from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Virginia

Chicago, IL Virginia
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,257
Average home cost $306,098 $372,801
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $87,249
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.3%
State income tax 4.95% 5.75%
  • Rent is about 33% less expensive in Virginia than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 26.8% higher in Virginia than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 27.6% higher in Virginia than in Chicago.
  • Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 123.9%.
  • Income taxes are 16.16% higher in Virginia than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from Virginia?

Chicago, IL Virginia
Population 2,746,388 8,683,619
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 54-44
Summer high 84ºF 87ºF
Winter low 19ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 38" 44"
Annual snow 35" 14"
Crime index 35.19 17.05
  • The population of Virginia is approximately 216% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Virginia is 87ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Virginia reaches the temperature of 25ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Virginia vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Virginia, it snows about 14 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
  • Virginia has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 17.05.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. Virginia:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Virginia side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Virginia
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Strong economy
Delicious food Beautiful scenery
Abundant entertainment Abundance of outdoor activities
Intense sports culture Enjoyable four season weather
Ample economic opportunity Strong military presence

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. Virginia:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Virginia.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Virginia
High crime rate High cost of living
Temperamental weather Unpredictable weather
Terrible traffic Bad traffic congestion
High taxes Lack of public transportation
Pollution Air noise pollution

Considerations for moving to Virginia

  • Weather: Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant. .
  • 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 Virginia. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moovers Chicago Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
(773) 474-2691
Mid-West Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
(847) 593-7201

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

What to do in Virginia?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Virginia.

Museums in Virginia

  • Colonial Williamsburg
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  • Historic Jamestowne
  • Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
  • Military Aviation Museum
  • The Mariners' Museum & Park
  • Amazement Square
  • George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor
  • White House of the Confederacy
  • Virginia Air & Space Science Center
  • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
  • Virginia Living Museum
  • American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
  • Chrysler Museum of Art
  • Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center

Parks in Virginia

  • Mill Mountain Star & Park
  • Morven Park
  • The Mariners' Museum & Park
  • Great Falls Park
  • Leesylvania State Park
  • Bull Run Regional Park
  • Oak Grove Lake Park
  • Ashburn Park
  • Pamplin Historical Park
  • Neptune's Park
  • Algonkian Regional Park
  • Belle Isle
  • Meadowlark Botanical Garden
  • Sandy Bottom Nature Park
  • Colonial National Historic Park

Sports Teams in Virginia

  • Fredericksburg Nationals (Low-A East)
  • Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
  • Lynchburg Hillcats (Low-A East)
  • Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
  • Norfolk Tides Baseball (Triple-A East)
  • Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A Northeast)
  • Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
  • Salem Red So (Low-A East)

Universities in Virginia

  • University of Virginia
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • George Mason University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • College of William & Mary
  • Liberty University
  • James Madison University
  • Old Dominion University
  • University of Richmond
  • Washington and Lee University
  • Radford University
  • Regent University
  • University of Mary Washington
  • Sweet Briar College
  • Virginia Military Institute

Moving from Chicago to Virginia FAQs

Why are people moving from Chicago to Virginia?

Many people are moving to Virginia because of strong economy and beautiful scenery. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Virginia