Moving from Arlington to Richmond, VA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Richmond costs between $128 to $4,396 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 105-mile route within Virginia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Arlington to Richmond
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Arlington to Richmond are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Arlington to driving and unloading in Richmond, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 105 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,261 - $3,736 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,026 - $1,928 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $139 - $226 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | BoxStar Movers | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Richmond?
It costs between $128 to $4,396 to move from Arlington to Richmond. The prices below break down your 105-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $688 - $4,396
- Moving containers: $857 - $2,339
- Rental trucks: $128 - $233
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $688 - $2,886 | $857 - $1,324 | $128 - $197 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,261 - $3,736 | $1,026 - $1,928 | $139 - $226 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,767 - $4,396 | $1,298 - $2,339 | $157 - $233 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $492 - $4,100+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $328 - $1,312 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $82 - $328 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Arlington to Richmond
At 105 miles, your Arlington to Richmond move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Arlington to Richmond. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 105 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
495 Movers, Inc is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Arlington to Richmond. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 83.7% of their 410 verified reviews are positive.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond to Arlington guide.
Considerations when moving from Arlington to Richmond
Cost of living: Arlington vs. Richmond
The cost of living in Arlington vs. Richmond goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Richmond stacks up against Arlington.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Arlington | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,718 | $1,595 |
| Average home cost | $866,334 | $327,959 |
| Average income (per capita) | $140,160 | $62,671 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,867 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,970 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent in Richmond is roughly 41% less expensive than in Arlington. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Richmond are 62% lower than in Arlington, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Richmond is 55% lower than in Arlington. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Richmond is 67% lower than in Arlington. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 55% lower in Richmond than in Arlington. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Richmond is 77% higher than in Arlington. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Richmond and Arlington, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Arlington, expect to budget around $990 to maintain the same lifestyle in Richmond.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Richmond
As you plan your move, comparing life in Arlington vs. Richmond is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Arlington and Richmond to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Arlington | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 226,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-17 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 43" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 11" |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 48.45 |
Richmond sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving between Arlington and Richmond usually feels pretty seamless since both cities have similar populations. But don’t be fooled—while the headcount is about the same, what sets them apart is the culture, local economy, city layout, and cost of living. Those are the differences you’ll actually notice.
- In the last presidential election, Richmond voted Republican and Arlington voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Richmond and Arlington are nearly identical, with averages around 90°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Arlington and Richmond experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 27°F and 28°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Arlington to Richmond. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 43 inches in Arlington and 44 inches in Richmond.
- Both Arlington and Richmond receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Arlington averaging 15 inches and Richmond seeing 11 inches.
- Crime rates are higher in Richmond, with an index of 48.45, compared to Arlington at 15.67.
Things to do in Richmond
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Richmond has something for everyone.
Museums in Richmond
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- White House of the Confederacy
- Science Museum of Virginia
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Parks in Richmond
- Belle Isle
- Libby Hill Park
- Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System)
- Capitol Square Park
- Rockwood Park
Sports teams in Richmond
- Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
- Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East)
Universities in Richmond
- University of Richmond
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Union University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Arlington to Richmond?
Moving your furniture from Arlington to Richmond with a professional moving company usually ranges from $608 to $2,539. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,261 and $3,736. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,767 to $4,396 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Arlington to Richmond?
If you’re moving from Arlington to Richmond and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $537 to $1,373. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,026 and $1,928. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,298 to $2,339.
How much is a moving truck from Arlington to Richmond?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $121 and $188. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $139 to $226. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Arlington to Richmond, rental prices generally fall between $157 and $233.
How far in advance should I book Arlington-to-Richmond movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Arlington to Richmond at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Arlington-to-Richmond movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Richmond?
If you want to save money on your move to Richmond, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
