Quick answer: A typical 206-mile move from Washington DC to Chesapeake runs $319–$4,867 and takes one to two days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chesapeake to Washington DC guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Washington DC to Chesapeake
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Washington DC to Chesapeake isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to VA move
Local moving companies in Washington DC
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 1893270
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1893270
Services Offered
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2586700
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3306591
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Chesapeake?
Washington DC movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $879 - $3,272 | $669 - $1,600 | $297 - $483 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,688 - $4,867 | $1,267 - $2,250 | $319 - $600 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,317 - $6,385 | $1,644 - $2,783 | $375 - $665 |
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to Virginia
Planning a move from Maryland to Virginia? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $879 and $3,272. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,688 and $4,867 for the same journey (MD to VA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,317 to $6,385.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to Virginia
Moving from Maryland to Virginia? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $669 and $1,600. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,267 to $2,250. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,644 up to $2,783. 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 Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland 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 $297 to $483. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $319 to $600, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Maryland to Virginia costs around $375 to $665.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to Chesapeake move
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Chesapeake
Moving from Washington DC to Chesapeake means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in Chesapeake, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Chesapeake so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Washington DC | Chesapeake | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,400 | $1,800 |
Average home value | $594,337 | $375,209 |
Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $63,484 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $1,882 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $3,656 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.0% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Chesapeake are 25% lower than in Washington DC, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chesapeake.
Home prices in Chesapeake are 36.9% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Chesapeake is 37.6% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chesapeake — including Dollar Tree, Chesapeake City Schools, and Coast Guard Exchange System — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chesapeake. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 52.5% lower than in Washington DC.
- A move to Chesapeake can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 67.0% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 28.57% lower than in Washington DC.
- Sales taxes are the same in Chesapeake and Washington DC.
- State income taxes are the same in Chesapeake and Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,424.68 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Chesapeake
Chesapeake | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Population | 249,422 | 705,749 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 9 |
Walkability score | 21 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 70 |
Crime Index | 25.0 | 60.37 |
Safety Index | 70.88 | 39.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Chesapeake's population is about 65% less than Washington DC.
- Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- Chesapeake is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
- Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 25.0 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 70.88 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Chesapeake is good, and in Washington DC it's good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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't require moving permits, but it'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. You'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
With your sights set on Chesapeake, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chesapeake.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
- Colonial Village
- North Highland
- Ghent
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenbrier
- Great Bridge
- Hickory
Things to do in Chesapeake
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it's time to see what Chesapeake is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Chesapeake features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball) and Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Chesapeake?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Chesapeake is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Chesapeake?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC to Chesapeake in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Chesapeake take?
The 206-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Chesapeake, VA, takes one to two days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chesapeake.