Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Chesapeaketoggle

The cost of Baltimore movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Baltimore to Chesapeake can be as low as $915 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 5,356.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baltimore, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $332 to $811. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Chesapeake

Moving from Baltimore to Chesapeake means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Baltimore than in Chesapeake, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Baltimore compares to Chesapeake so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Baltimore Chesapeake
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,800
Average home value $180,790 $375,209
Average income (per capita) $58,349 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $2,223 $1,882
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,088 $3,656
Unemployment rate 7.9% 5.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.0%
State income tax 5.75% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Chesapeake are 13% higher than in Baltimore, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
    Home prices in Chesapeake are 107.5% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Income in Chesapeake is 8.8% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chesapeake include Dollar Tree, Chesapeake City Schools, and Coast Guard Exchange System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chesapeake is 15.3% lower than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chesapeake is 28.1% lower than in Baltimore.
  • The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 36.71% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Chesapeake and Baltimore.
  • State income taxes are the same in Chesapeake and Baltimore.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,539.81 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Chesapeake

Chesapeake Baltimore
Population 249,422 585,708
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 8
Walkability score 21 64
Bike friendliness score 35 53
Crime Index 25.0 72.72
Safety Index 70.88 27.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chesapeake's population is about 57% less than Baltimore.
  • Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
  • Chesapeake is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
  • Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100.
  • Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 25.0 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
  • Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 70.88 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
  • Air quality in Chesapeake is good, and in Baltimore it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baltimore vs. Chesapeake move

  • 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™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.

Where to live in Chesapeake

Ready to relocate to "Chesapeake"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chesapeake.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Capital District
  • Central Office
  • North Ghent
  • Ghent
  • City Center

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Greenbrier
  • Great Bridge
  • Hickory

Things to do in Chesapeake

After settling into your new Virginia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chesapeake has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Chesapeake is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Chesapeake?

The best time to move from Baltimore to Chesapeake is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.

When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Chesapeake?

Because most people are moving from Baltimore to Chesapeake in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Baltimore to Chesapeake take?

The 249-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Chesapeake, VA, takes one to two days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chesapeake.

Helpful moving resources