How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to VA move
Using rate data from 148 New York movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
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Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
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Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
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Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from New York to Virginia?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from New York
to Virginia with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$865 – $2,603 |
$579 – $1,417 |
$336 – $623 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,476 – $4,296 |
$1,048 – $2,153 |
$369 – $746 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,413 – $6,009 |
$1,521 – $2,719 |
$445 – $859 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 388-mile move from NY to
VA, based on pricing data
compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from
movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes.
Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access
constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from
several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from New York to Virginia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York to Virginia,
you can expect to spend between $865
and $2,603.
For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually range from $1,476 to
$4,296 on the same route
(NY to VA). Got a larger household? Moving a
four- or five-bedroom home from New York to Virginia typically runs between
$2,413 and
$6,009.
Cost of moving containers from New York to Virginia
Moving from New York to Virginia? For a small load,
you’ll likely pay between $579 and
$1,417. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home,
costs usually range from $1,048 to
$2,153. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house?
Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,521 up to
$2,719. 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 New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to Virginia
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option.
Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between
$336 and
$623.
For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between
$369 and
$746.
Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be
somewhere between $445 and
$859.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NY to VA
There are many factors that influence New York moving costs. The cost to move from New York to Virginia will depend on these factors:
-
How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
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When you move: Summer moves in New York fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
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Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from NY to VA
Moving between New York and Virginia involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: New York vs. Virginia
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between
New York and Virginia. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates,
this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle.
Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
|
New York |
Virginia |
| Average rent |
$1,507 |
$1,440 |
| Average home cost |
$482,742 |
$392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$81,386 |
$87,249 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.4% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
8.52% |
5.73% |
| State income tax |
10.9% |
5.75% |
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No need to worry about your budget. Rent prices are pretty similar if you’re moving from New York to Virginia.
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Home prices in Virginia are roughly 19% less than in New York, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
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Great news — you’re likely to make about 7% more in Virginia compared to New York. That boost could translate to extra savings or new investment opportunities every month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in New York and Virginia, you can focus less on your budget and more on choosing the home that suits your lifestyle best.
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Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than New York by about 34%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
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Sales tax is 33% lower in Virginia compared to New York, helping reduce the price of regular purchases and easing the strain on your budget.
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Income taxes in Virginia are 47% lower than in New York. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Virginia vs. New York
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how Virginia differs from New York in these areas.
|
Virginia |
New York |
| Population |
8,715,698 |
19,571,216 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-48 |
Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
16ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
14″ |
62″ |
| Crime index |
19.3 |
21.51 |
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With a population about 55% smaller than New York, Virginia offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living.
Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
-
In the last presidential election, both New York and Virginia voted Democratic.
-
Summers in Virginia reach 87°F, warmer than 81°F in New York.
Expect brighter days and more outdoor activity, but also higher cooling costs.
-
Winters in Virginia average 25°F, compared to 16°F in New York.
The milder lows mean less strain on heating, gentler weather, and more comfortable outdoor living.
-
In Virginia, you’ll get about 44 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 44 inches you’ve been used to in New York.
Although the total rainfall won’t change much with your move, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls might affect your daily routine.
-
In Virginia, you’ll see just 14 inches of snow each year, compared to New York, which gets 62 inches annually.
Moving to Virginia means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, and fewer weather headaches.
-
Virginia offers a safer environment than New York, with a crime index of 19.3 versus 21.51.
You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of New York vs. Virginia
There’s something exciting about a fresh start.
Here’s a quick look at how life in Virginia stacks up against New York:
| Pros of living in New York |
Pros of living in Virginia |
| Natural beauty |
Strong economy |
| Arts |
Beautiful scenery |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities |
Enjoyable four season weather |
| Distinct seasons |
Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. Virginia
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are.
As you get ready to move from New York to Virginia, keep these tips in mind:
| Cons of living in New York |
Cons of living in Virginia |
| High tax burden |
High cost of living |
| Rough winter weather |
Unpredictable weather |
| High cost of living |
Bad traffic congestion |
| Poor quality healthcare |
Lack of public transportation |
| Populous |
Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your New York to Virginia move
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
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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 you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify the status of a Virginia moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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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:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Virginia right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Virginia
Get ready to discover Virginia. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Historic Jamestowne
- Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
- Military Aviation Museum
Parks in Virginia
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
- Morven Park
- The Mariners’ Museum & Park
- Great Falls Park
- Leesylvania State 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)
Universities in Virginia
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- College of William & Mary
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from New York to Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from New York to Virginia?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving
package. Alternatively, you can book
vehicle
transport from New York to Virginia
separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from New York to Virginia?
More and more folks are relocating from New York to Virginia to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as strong economy and beautiful scenery.
Is it cheaper to live in New York or Virginia?
Living in Virginia usually costs less than in New York.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Virginia,
with average rent about 4% less and home prices 19% lower than in New York.
Taxes are also
lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by New York residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?
If you’re planning to live on your own in Virginia, aim for an income of around $72,647 to live comfortably.
Expect monthly expenses to be about $19,977 if you’re flying solo, or $4,783 for a family of four.
Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Neabsco and Virginia Beach usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in New York?
Looking to save on your move? These discounts are currently offered in New York.
Military families can take advantage of special pricing through 7 moving companies.
Savings for seniors are available from 6 movers.
Students benefit from discounts provided by 2 moving companies.
Terms differ by mover, so ask about current discounts when requesting quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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When planning a move from New York to Virginia, professional movers typically run between
$1,476 and $4,296, a moving container averages about
$1,600, and a rental truck is around
$557.
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