How we chose the best moving companies for your VA to NJ move
Using rate data from 101 Virginia movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
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Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
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Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
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Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia to New Jersey?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Virginia
to New Jersey with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$869 – $2,621 |
$596 – $1,425 |
$315 – $629 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,638 – $4,328 |
$1,145 – $2,123 |
$371 – $718 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,475 – $5,976 |
$1,428 – $2,622 |
$433 – $842 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 374-mile move from VA to
NJ, based on pricing data
compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from
movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes.
Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access
constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from
several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Virginia to New Jersey
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Virginia to New Jersey,
you can expect to spend between $869
and $2,621.
For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually range from $1,638 to
$4,328 on the same route
(VA to NJ). Got a larger household? Moving a
four- or five-bedroom home from Virginia to New Jersey typically runs between
$2,475 and
$5,976.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to New Jersey
Moving from Virginia to New Jersey? For a small load,
you’ll likely pay between $596 and
$1,425. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home,
costs usually range from $1,145 to
$2,123. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house?
Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,428 up to
$2,622. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our
complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
to help with your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia to New Jersey
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option.
Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between
$315 and
$629.
For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between
$371 and
$718.
Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be
somewhere between $433 and
$842.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to NJ
There are many factors that influence Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from Virginia to New Jersey will depend on these factors:
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How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
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When you move: Summer moves in Virginia fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
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Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from VA to NJ
Moving between Virginia and New Jersey involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. New Jersey
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between
Virginia and New Jersey. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates,
this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle.
Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
|
Virginia |
New Jersey |
| Average rent |
$1,440 |
$1,368 |
| Average home cost |
$392,682 |
$534,773 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,249 |
$97,126 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
114 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
5.73% |
6.6% |
| State income tax |
5.75% |
10.7% |
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No need to worry about your budget. Rent prices are pretty similar if you’re moving from Virginia to New Jersey.
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Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in New Jersey to be about 36% more than what you’ll find in Virginia.
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Great news — you’re likely to make about 11% more in New Jersey compared to Virginia. That boost could translate to extra savings or new investment opportunities every month.
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Moving to New Jersey will cost you 14% more than living in Virginia, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
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New Jersey has a higher unemployment rate than Virginia by about 62%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
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Shoppers in New Jersey pay about 15% more in sales tax than those in Virginia, adding extra cost to everyday buys like clothes, electronics, and dining out.
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Income taxes in New Jersey are 86% higher than in Virginia. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in New Jersey vs. Virginia
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how New Jersey differs from Virginia in these areas.
|
New Jersey |
Virginia |
| Population |
9,290,841 |
8,715,698 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-46.1 |
Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
22ºF |
25ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
23″ |
14″ |
| Crime index |
16.2 |
19.3 |
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If you’re relocating from Virginia to New Jersey, you’ll notice that New Jersey has about 7% more residents.
With a larger population comes improved infrastructure—think better hospitals, schools, public transportation, and more entertainment options.
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In the last presidential election, both Virginia and New Jersey voted Democratic.
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Summer highs in New Jersey average 85°F, almost the same as 87°F in Virginia.
With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
-
In New Jersey, winter lows are about 22°F, while Virginia averages 25°F.
With such a small difference, your seasonal routine and expenses should stay about the same.
-
In New Jersey, you’ll get about 48 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 44 inches you’ve been used to in Virginia.
Although the total rainfall won’t change much with your move, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls might affect your daily routine.
-
In New Jersey, it snows about 23 inches annually while Virginia gets only about 14 inches.
With the additional snow you’ll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
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New Jersey offers a safer environment than Virginia, with a crime index of 16.2 versus 19.3.
You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. New Jersey
There’s something exciting about a fresh start.
Here’s a quick look at how life in New Jersey stacks up against Virginia:
| Pros of living in Virginia |
Pros of living in New Jersey |
| Strong economy |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Beautiful scenery |
Diversity |
| Abundance of outdoor activities |
World-class entertainment |
| Enjoyable four season weather |
Leading education |
| Strong military presence |
Superb health care |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. New Jersey
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are.
As you get ready to move from Virginia to New Jersey, keep these tips in mind:
| Cons of living in Virginia |
Cons of living in New Jersey |
| High cost of living |
Extreme weather |
| Unpredictable weather |
Congested population |
| Bad traffic congestion |
High cost of living |
| Lack of public transportation |
High tax burden |
| Air noise pollution |
Terrible traffic |
Other things to consider for your Virginia to New Jersey move
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
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State licensing:
In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies.
The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify the status of a New Jersey moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
New Jersey does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to New Jersey right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
-
Moving checklist:
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in New Jersey
Get ready to discover New Jersey. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in New Jersey
- Cape May Lighthouse
- Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park
- Battleship New Jersey
- Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
- Newark Museum
Parks in New Jersey
- Branch Brook Park
- Laurel Acres Park
- The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
- Roosevelt Park
- Bergen County Zoological Park
Sports teams in New Jersey
- New Jersey Devils (NHL)
- New York Giants (NFL)
- New York Jets (NFL)
- New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Universities in New Jersey
- Princeton University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Seton Hall University
- Montclair State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to New Jersey?
Do movers transport your car from Virginia to New Jersey?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving
package. Alternatively, you can book
vehicle
transport from Virginia to New Jersey
separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to New Jersey?
More and more folks are relocating from Virginia to New Jersey to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as bountiful recreational opportunities and diversity.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or New Jersey?
Living in Virginia usually costs less than in New Jersey.
Housing
is much more affordable in Virginia,
with average rent about 5% less and home prices 27% lower than in New Jersey.
Taxes are also
lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by New Jersey residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in New Jersey?
If you’re planning to live on your own in New Jersey, aim for an income of around $54,567 to live comfortably.
Expect monthly expenses to be about $3,483 if you’re flying solo, or $7,579 for a family of four.
Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Trenton and Newark usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Virginia?
Looking to save on your move? These discounts are currently offered in Virginia.
Military families can take advantage of special pricing through 3 moving companies.
Savings for seniors are available from 2 movers.
Students benefit from discounts provided by 1 moving companies.
Terms differ by mover, so ask about current discounts when requesting quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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When planning a move from Virginia to New Jersey, professional movers typically run between
$1,638 and $4,328, a moving container averages about
$1,634, and a rental truck is around
$544.
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