($1,497+) Chesapeake, VA to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,608 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,812 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,720 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,553, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,812 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,086 - $7,106, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,608 - $4,373.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,968 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Chesapeake, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Chesapeake to Los Angeles fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,968 - $7,855 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,720-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,720-mile route from Chesapeake to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,553 - $5,895 with full-service movers, $2,086 - $3,709 with a container, $1,608 - $3,145 with a rental truck, or $1,860 - $3,303 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,968 - $7,855 full-service, $2,602 - $5,591 by container, $1,621 - $3,454 by rental truck, or $2,040 - $4,473 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,249 - $11,812 full-service, $3,588 - $7,106 by container, $2,092 - $4,373 by rental truck, or $2,785 - $5,919 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chesapeake, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $2,553 and $11,812. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,720-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $382 - $2,544, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chesapeake and Los Angeles. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chesapeake tend to start around $290 plus $125/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chesapeake to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,553 - $5,895
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,968 - $7,855
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,249 - $11,812
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chesapeake to Los Angeles.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Chesapeake, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chesapeake movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Los Angeles, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $636 - $6,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $254 - $1,526/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $382 - $3,053 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage43% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,272 - $3,816 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,180 - $12,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $953 - $1,810 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items48% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $1,272 - $3,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type81% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,018 - $4,452 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $382 - $1,908 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect24% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Apple Moving | $827 - $2,544 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $382 - $19,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $382 - $4,452+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chesapeake to Los Angeles?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chesapeake, VA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chesapeake, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $2,086 and $7,106. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Los Angeles. If you go over that window, storage in Chesapeake adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chesapeake to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,086 - $3,709
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,602 - $5,591
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,588 - $7,106
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $95 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $191 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Los Angeles, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $890 in Chesapeake, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $2,086. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,602 - $5,591, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chesapeake to Los Angeles?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chesapeake to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chesapeake:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 9 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- Tidal Town Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake, VA to Los Angeles, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,720-mile move from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Los Angeles, California, costs between $1,608 and $4,373, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,101 - $1,258
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Chesapeake daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chesapeake to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,608 - $3,145
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,621 - $3,454
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,092 - $4,373
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chesapeake to Los Angeles starts at $1,608 - $4,373, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,101 - $1,258) , overnight lodging ($191/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,101 - $1,258 for the 2,720-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $890.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,720-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $191 per night, adding $382 - $572 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $64 and $382.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Los Angeles?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chesapeake, VA to Los Angeles, CA
For larger DIY moves from Chesapeake, Virginia, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Los Angeles, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,040 and $4,473.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chesapeake to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,860 - $3,303
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,040 - $4,473
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,785 - $5,919
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $95 - $191 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chesapeake, Virginia, typically costs $890.
What are the best freight companies from Chesapeake to Los Angeles?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Los Angeles quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chesapeake, VA vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Chesapeake on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chesapeake, VA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,800/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $359,218 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $94,189/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 21/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 70.88/100 | 46.19/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles, CA to Chesapeake, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 2,720-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Chesapeake, VA, to Los Angeles, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,553 for a studio to $11,812 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,720-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,086 - $7,106. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,608 - $4,373, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,968 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Chesapeake, VA, to Los Angeles, CA
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?
Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, compared to 70.88 and 25.0 in Chesapeake. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 21 and 35 in Chesapeake. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles?
For families, Brentwood, Eagle Rock, and Mar Vista are worth a look in Los Angeles. If you're moving solo or without kids, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and Playa Del Rey tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” 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.
What do local movers charge in Chesapeake?
Local movers based in Chesapeake typically start around $290 as a base rate, plus $125/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Los Angeles run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Chesapeake movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 81% of movers in Chesapeake handle piano moves, and 48% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.