($256+) Arlington, VA to New York City, NY Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to NYC, runs anywhere from $256 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,254 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 230 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $853, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,254 or more.
- Moving containers run $827 - $2,574, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $256 - $680.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to NYC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,381 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to NYC
Moving options from Arlington to NYC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,381 - $4,090 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 24% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 79% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 230 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 230-mile route from Arlington to NYC, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $853 - $3,150 with full-service movers, $827 - $1,420 with a container, $256 - $456 with a rental truck, or $752 - $1,227 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,381 - $4,090 full-service, $1,055 - $1,889 by container, $290 - $546 by rental truck, or $878 - $1,527 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $1,851 - $5,254 full-service, $1,361 - $2,574 by container, $365 - $680 by rental truck, or $1,155 - $1,941 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to NYC
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 230-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to NYC, New York, with prices running from $853 - $5,254. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $502 - $3,344 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Arlington and NYC are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Arlington movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $853 - $3,150
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,381 - $4,090
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,851 - $5,254
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 Arlington to NYC.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to NYC
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New York City, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $836 - $8,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $334 - $2,006/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $502 - $4,013 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,672 - $5,016 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,180 - $16,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,252 - $2,379 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,672 - $4,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,338 - $5,852 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $502 - $2,508 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $1,087 - $3,344 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $502 - $25,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $502 - $5,852+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to NYC?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to NYC with a local mover averages $1,394 - $4,130. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Arlington, VA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Arlington, ranked # in Virginia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,128 customers, 89.5% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to NYC
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to NYC, New York, cost between $827 and $2,574. 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 NYC. If you go over that window, storage in Arlington adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $827 - $1,420
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,055 - $1,889
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,361 - $2,574
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Arlington, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,170, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $125 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $251 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Arlington, VA, and NYC, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to New York 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 $827. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,055 - $1,889.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to NYC?
- 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to NYC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 230 miles from Arlington, Virginia, to NYC, New York, running $256 - $680. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $122 - $140
- Daily insurance: $50/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Arlington to NYC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $256 - $456
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $290 - $546
- 4+ bedrooms: $365 - $680
Pro tip: A rental truck from Arlington to NYC looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $256 - $680. But once you factor in fuel ($122 - $140), overnight lodging ($251/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $122 - $140 for the 230-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 Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,170.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 230-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $251 per night, adding $502 - $752 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $84 and $502.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to NYC?
- 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 Arlington, VA to NYC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Arlington, Virginia, to NYC, New York. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,505 and $1,527.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to NYC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $752 - $1,227
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $878 - $1,527
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,155 - $1,941
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,170.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $125 and $251 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to NYC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
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 NYC 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: Arlington, VA vs NYC
Day-to-day costs in NYC are close to what you're used to in Arlington: cost of living index of 172 versus 164, with average rent of $4,340/mo compared to $2,718/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 71/100 and 79.15/100 in Arlington versus 88/100 and 49.17/100 in NYC.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New York City, NY to Arlington, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to New York in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 262 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 230-mile route.
Our take
A move from Arlington, VA, to NYC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $853 - $5,254 on the 230-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $827 - $2,574, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $256 - $680. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,381 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to NYC tend to point to ample economic opportunity and diverse cuisine, though overcrowded and pollution come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include IBM and PepsiCo.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to NYC, NY
Is NYC a safe place to live?
NYC has a safety index of 49.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.83, compared to 79.15 and 15.67 in Arlington. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Arlington, VA to NYC?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. New York also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in New York?
New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($122 - $140), daily insurance ($50/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $33) on top. Overnight stops can add another $251/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.