Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Richmond typically costs $1,100–$3,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 108 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Richmond
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA typically costs $1,100–$3,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 108-mile move from Washington DC to Richmond, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,212 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,267 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,061 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 07, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to Richmond move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $700 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Washington DC.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $100 to $200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Richmond, VA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Richmond movers by type
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Richmond
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Washington DC to Richmond much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MD→VA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 51 Maryland movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Richmond
Many movers find Richmond easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 43% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,270 for one person in Richmond versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $5,336 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,537 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $2,539 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $350,897 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $59,606 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 5.75% |
- When relocating from Washington DC to Richmond, expect to find rent about 34% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 41% more affordable in Richmond compared to Washington DC.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 41% lower in Richmond compared to Washington DC.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Richmond, as the cost of living for a single person is 43% lower compared to Washington DC.
- A move to Richmond 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 52% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
- With Richmond and Washington DC having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Richmond and Washington DC (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes have a close resemblance in Virginia and Maryland, staying within a 5% variance. Your financial deductions should remain stable, facilitating a straightforward adjustment to your new setting.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Washington DC and Richmond:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $59.72 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Washington DC than in Richmond.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Richmond.
- Eggs are less expensive in Washington DC than in Richmond.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Richmond.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Richmond.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Richmond.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Richmond.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Richmond
| Washington DC | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 226,610 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 51 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 48.45 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 51.55 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Richmond's population is about 66% less than Washington DC.
- Richmond's public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Richmond is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Richmond has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Richmond's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 48.45 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Richmond is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 51.55 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Richmond is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Richmond move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Virginia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 Richmond. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Richmond
Planning your move to Capital of the South? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Richmond.
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
Things to do in Richmond
After settling into your new Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Richmond has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Richmond features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, and Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Richmond Kickers (USL League One)Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Richmond?
Planning your move from Washington DC to Richmond? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Richmond?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Richmond 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 Washington DC to Richmond take?
The 108-mile journey from Washington DC, MD to Richmond, VA, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Washington DC offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Richmond.
Are there special savings available from movers in Washington DC?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 14 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Washington DC?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Washington DC, 59 movers can manage piano relocations. 44 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maryland has 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
