Arlington to Virginia Beach Movers & Costs (2026)
An Arlington to Virginia Beach, VA move (~206 miles) starts around $214 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $4,795 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as 495 Movers, Inc, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 1,128 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $110/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Arlington
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Arlington to Virginia Beach are regulated by Virginia law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Virginia intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Virginia companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend 495 Movers, Inc (4.76/5) as the top local pick, followed by BoxStar Movers (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Arlington to Virginia Beach moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 304+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
A move from Arlington to Virginia Beach runs $214 to $4,795*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $743 - $4,795
- Moving containers: $754 - $2,290
- Rental trucks: $214 - $536
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $743 - $3,033 | $754 - $1,324 | $214 - $417 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,319 - $3,692 | $981 - $1,906 | $235 - $489 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,671 - $4,795 | $1,247 - $2,290 | $284 - $536 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 304+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of November 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Arlington, VA movers.
How Arlington to Virginia Beach moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $110 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,320.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 15% of Arlington movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 8% of Arlington movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: Olympia Moving & Storage |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Arlington to Virginia Beach
Moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach is a job for local and regional Virginia movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. 495 Movers, Inc leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 1,128 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Arlington to Virginia Beach
Local movers operating within Virginia know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.76 / 5
- Years in Business: 17
- 90% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.5 / 5
- Years in Business: 5
- 99% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.62 / 5
- Years in Business: 20
- 95% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- 495 Movers, Inc (4.76/5 stars): 89.5% positive customer ratings.
- BoxStar Movers (4.5/5 stars): 99.1% positive customer ratings.
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.62/5 stars): 94.6% positive customer ratings.
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): 91.1% positive customer ratings.
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport (4.62/5 stars): 85.6% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 314 movers in Arlington, drawing on 77,483 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Arlington to Virginia Beach
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Arlington, VA
Arlington residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Virginia moving resources
How does Virginia Beach compare to Arlington?
Cost of living: Arlington vs. Virginia Beach
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Arlington | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,718 | $1,950 |
| Average home cost | $866,334 | $366,324 |
| Average income (per capita) | $140,160 | $90,685 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,867 | $4,533 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,970 | $5,910 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.8% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Arlington and Virginia Beach comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 304+ Virginia moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Virginia Beach are 28% lower than in Arlington. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Virginia Beach are 58% lower than Arlington. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Virginia Beach is 35% lower than Arlington. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Virginia Beach is 34% lower than Arlington. The savings typically free up 34% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Virginia Beach is 51% lower than Arlington. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Virginia Beach runs 20% higher than Arlington. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Virginia Beach and Arlington match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,980 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Arlington.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Virginia Beach
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Virginia Beach might look different from Arlington in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Arlington | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 457,672 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-17 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 43" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 6" |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 42.0 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Virginia can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 31% of movers in Virginia, vs 23% nationally).
- Virginia Beach is 92% larger in size than Arlington. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both Arlington and Virginia Beach voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Virginia Beach (88°F) match Arlington (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Arlington (27°F) and Virginia Beach (32°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Arlington (43 inches) and Virginia Beach (47 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington is 15 inches, vs. 6 inches in Virginia Beach. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
- Crime index in Virginia Beach (42.0) is higher than Arlington (15.67). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Virginia Beach
- Military Aviation Museum
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Ferry Plantation House
- Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Parks in Virginia Beach
- Neptune's Park
- Mount Trashmore Park
- Bayville Farms Park
- Great Neck Park
- Munden Point Park
Sports teams in Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two)
Universities in Virginia Beach
- Atlantic University
- Regent University
- Virginia Wesleyan University
Final verdict: Arlington to Virginia Beach movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service. For smaller moves, 495 Movers, Inc (4.76/5) is the top local choice, with 89.5% positive reviews across 1,128 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $214 - $4,795, based on our analysis of 304+ Virginia movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach
What percentage of Arlington movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
How many movers in Arlington offer labor-only help?
28% of movers in Arlington offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.
Do movers in Virginia offer storage?
67% of movers in Virginia offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
A full-service move from Arlington to Virginia Beach costs $715 - $2,482 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,319 - $3,692, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,671 - $4,795.
How much are moving container companies from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
Moving containers from Arlington to Virginia Beach cost $572 - $1,225 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $981 - $1,906, and a larger home costs $1,247 - $2,290.