Moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach costs $277–$6,250, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 206-mile route within Virginia take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
Moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 206-mile move:
Moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach costs between $277 and $6,250, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 206-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,511–$4,537 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,218–$2,161 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $307–$583 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $110/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 103+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
The cost to move from Arlington to Virginia Beach ranges from $277 to $6,250, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 206-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $998–$6,250
- Moving containers: $975–$2,814
- Rental trucks: $277–$693
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 206 miles and provide all the labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $998–$3,916 | $975–$1,661 | $277–$503 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,511–$4,537 | $1,218–$2,161 | $307–$583 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,160–$6,250 | $1,532–$2,814 | $346–$693 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 103+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a Arlington to Virginia Beach move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a Arlington to Virginia Beach move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Arlington to Virginia Beach, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 206 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Arlington to Virginia Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Virginia, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 206 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Virginia Beach to Arlington guide.
How does Virginia Beach compare to Arlington?
Cost of living: Arlington vs. Virginia Beach
The cost of living in Arlington vs. Virginia Beach is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Virginia Beach measures up against Arlington.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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 May 2026 across 103+ Virginia cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Virginia Beach runs 28% cheaper than Arlington. Consider upgrading to a larger unit or banking the savings.
- Home prices in Virginia Beach are 58% lower than Arlington. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
- Average income in Virginia Beach is 35% lower than Arlington. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- 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.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Virginia Beach are 51% lower than Arlington. The gap is meaningful enough to fund a meaningful lifestyle upgrade post-move.
- 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 are nearly identical in Virginia Beach and Arlington. No tax-driven adjustment to spending behavior is required.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Arlington, you'll need about $1,980 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Virginia Beach
A look at how life in Virginia Beach measures up to Arlington covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| 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 |
- Virginia Beach is roughly 92% larger in size than Arlington. Bigger metros support more industry diversity and entertainment options, with the tradeoff of higher housing prices and longer commutes.
- During the last presidential election, both Arlington and Virginia Beach supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer highs in Virginia Beach (88°F) match Arlington (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows are comparable in Arlington (27°F) and Virginia Beach (32°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall matches across Arlington (43 inches) and Virginia Beach (47 inches). Existing rain habits and gear carry over.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington runs 15 inches, higher than Virginia Beach's 6 inches. Less snow translates to lower winter maintenance and shorter cold-weather seasons.
- Crime index in Virginia Beach (42.0) is higher than Arlington (15.67). Factor home security, insurance, and neighborhood vetting into the relocation budget.
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Virginia Beach's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
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: best movers from Arlington to Virginia Beach
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Arlington to Virginia Beach, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $277–$6,250 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Arlington to Virginia Beach
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 typically costs $878–$3,205 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,511–$4,537. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $2,160 and $6,250 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
Moving containers from Arlington to Virginia Beach have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $689 and $1,617. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,218–$2,161. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,532 to $2,814.
How much is a moving truck from Arlington to Virginia Beach?
A rental moving truck from Arlington to Virginia Beach costs $272–$513 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $307–$583. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $346–$693.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Arlington-to-Virginia Beach movers?
Lock in your movers for a Arlington to Virginia Beach move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Virginia Beach?
The cheapest time of year to move to Virginia Beach is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
