($607+) Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA, runs anywhere from $607 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,688 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 899 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,902, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,688 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,087 - $3,806, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $607 - $1,670.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,310 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving options from Chicago to Virginia Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,310 - $5,858 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 72% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 899-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 899-mile route from Chicago to Virginia Beach, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,902 for a studio up to $7,688 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,087 - $3,806 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $607 - $1,670, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,040 - $2,868, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
For the 899-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,902 and $7,688. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $317 - $2,112 (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 Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Virginia Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,902 - $4,626
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,310 - $5,858
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,835 - $7,688
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 Chicago to Virginia Beach.
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 Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Virginia Beach, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $528 - $5,280 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $211 - $1,267/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $317 - $2,534 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,056 - $3,168 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,640 - $10,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $791 - $1,503 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,056 - $2,640 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $845 - $3,696 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $317 - $1,584 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $686 - $2,112 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $317 - $15,840+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $317 - $3,696+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Virginia Beach?
Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Virginia, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chicago, IL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, cost between $1,087 and $3,806. 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 Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Virginia Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $2,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,470 - $2,738
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,823 - $3,806
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 $739 in Chicago, IL. 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 $79 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $158 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 Virginia Beach, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois 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 $1,087. 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 $1,470 - $2,738.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Virginia Beach?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
Plan on $607 - $1,670 for a rental moving truck on the 899-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Virginia Beach, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $302 - $345
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Virginia Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $607 - $1,123
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $648 - $1,280
- 4+ bedrooms: $829 - $1,670
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Virginia Beach starts at $607 - $1,670, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($302 - $345), overnight lodging ($158/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $158 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 Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $739 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 899-mile drive falls between $302 and $345, 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 $53 and $317 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Virginia Beach?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,142 and $2,168.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Virginia Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,810
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,142 - $2,168
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,474 - $2,868
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $79 - $158 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $739.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Virginia Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chicago to Virginia Beach, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Virginia Beach, VA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Virginia Beach to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 105. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $1,950/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 33. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 58.0.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Virginia Beach, VA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Illinois to Virginia, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 295 movers in Illinois, so you have real options to compare for this 899-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,902 - $7,688 on the 899-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,087 - $3,806, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $607 - $1,670. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,310 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Stihl and Navy Exchange.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Virginia Beach, VA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Virginia?
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).
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
Is Virginia Beach a safe place to live?
Virginia Beach has a safety index of 58.0 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.0, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, 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 $648 - $1,280. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.