Factors that influence moving costs from Chesapeake to Irvinetoggle

The cost of Chesapeake movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chesapeake to Irvine might cost as little as $1,522, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $13,184.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chesapeake, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,863 to $4,441. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Irvine

Moving from Chesapeake to Irvine comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Irvine is generally more expensive than Chesapeake, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chesapeake Irvine
Average rent cost $1,800 $4,000
Average home value $375,209 $1,561,760
Average income (per capita) $63,484 $114,027
Cost of living (single person) $1,882 $9,167
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,656 $18,000
Unemployment rate 5.0% 5.4%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.75%
State income tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Irvine are 122% higher than in Chesapeake, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chesapeake.
    Home prices in Irvine are 316.2% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • Income in Irvine is 79.6% higher than in Chesapeake, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Irvine include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Taco Bell, and Alorica.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Irvine, since the cost of living for a single person in Irvine is 387.1% higher than in Chesapeake. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Irvine, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 392.3% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • The unemployment rate in Irvine is 8.00% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Irvine, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Irvine are 29.17% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • State income taxes in Irvine are 131.30% higher than in Chesapeake.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $14,612.65 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.

How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Irvine

Irvine Chesapeake
Population 307,670 249,422
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 2
Walkability score 43 21
Bike friendliness score 69 35
Crime Index 31.01 25.0
Safety Index 68.99 70.88
Air Quality Good Good
  • Irvine's population is about 23% greater than Chesapeake.
  • Irvine's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chesapeake's lower score of 2.
  • Irvine is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chesapeake's 21 out of 100.
  • With a score of 69 out of 100, Irvine is more bike-friendly than Chesapeake, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Irvine's crime rate is higher than Chesapeake with a score of 31.01 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
  • Irvine and Chesapeake are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Irvine is good, and in Chesapeake it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chesapeake vs. Irvine move

  • Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While California doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Irvine without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Irvine

With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Irvine.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Westpark
  • Westpark II
  • Oak Creek
  • Woodbridge
  • University Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Westpark II
  • Turtle Rock
  • Woodbridge
  • South Irvine
  • Northwood Point

Things to do in Irvine

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Irvine has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Irvine is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Irvine?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chesapeake to Irvine. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chesapeake.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chesapeake to Irvine?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chesapeake to Irvine, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chesapeake to Irvine take?

The 2,723-mile journey from Chesapeake, VA to Irvine, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Chesapeake offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Irvine.

Helpful moving resources