Moving from Richmond to Arlington, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to Arlington costs between $128 to $4,620 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 105-mile route within Virginia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Richmond to Arlington
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Richmond to Arlington are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Richmond to driving and unloading in Arlington, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 105 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,261 - $3,628 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,088 - $1,853 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $129 - $217 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Mr. Moving, LLC | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Richmond to Arlington?
It costs between $128 to $4,620 to move from Richmond to Arlington. The prices below break down your 105-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $655 - $4,620
- Moving containers: $824 - $2,339
- Rental trucks: $128 - $248
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $655 - $3,097 | $824 - $1,337 | $128 - $194 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,261 - $3,628 | $1,088 - $1,853 | $129 - $217 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,599 - $4,620 | $1,378 - $2,339 | $160 - $248 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $285 - $2,375+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $190 - $760 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $48 - $190 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Richmond to Arlington
At 105 miles, your Richmond to Arlington move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Richmond to Arlington. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 105 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Mr. Moving, LLC is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Richmond to Arlington. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 87.3% of their 102 verified reviews are positive.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington to Richmond guide.
Considerations when moving from Richmond to Arlington
Cost of living: Richmond vs. Arlington
The cost of living in Richmond vs. Arlington goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Arlington stacks up against Richmond.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Richmond | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $327,959 | $866,334 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,671 | $140,160 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,270 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,336 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Arlington are 70% higher than in Richmond. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Arlington are 164% higher than in Richmond. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Arlington, where the average salary is 124% higher than in Richmond, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 203% higher than in Richmond, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Arlington? Get ready for living expenses to be about 124% higher than in Richmond. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Arlington is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Arlington is 44% lower than in Richmond, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are equal in Arlington and Richmond, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Richmond, expect to budget around $9,090 to maintain the same lifestyle in Arlington.
How life is different in Richmond vs. Arlington
As you plan your move, comparing life in Richmond vs. Arlington is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Richmond and Arlington to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Richmond | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 238,643 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 81-17 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 44" | 43" |
| Annual snow | 11" | 15" |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 15.67 |
Arlington sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving between Richmond and Arlington usually feels pretty seamless since both cities have similar populations. But don’t be fooled—while the headcount is about the same, what sets them apart is the culture, local economy, city layout, and cost of living. Those are the differences you’ll actually notice.
- In the last presidential election, Arlington voted Democratic and Richmond voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Arlington and Richmond are nearly identical, with averages around 88°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Richmond and Arlington experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 28°F and 27°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Richmond to Arlington. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 44 inches in Richmond and 43 inches in Arlington.
- Both Richmond and Arlington receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Richmond averaging 11 inches and Arlington seeing 15 inches.
- Arlington has a lower crime rate than Richmond, with a crime index of 15.67 vs 48.45.
Things to do in Arlington
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Arlington has something for everyone.
Museums in Arlington
- JW Tumbles
- Ball-Sellers House Museum
- David M. Brown Planetarium
- Arlington Historical Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
Parks in Arlington
- Gravelly Point Park
- Long Bridge Park
- Bon Air Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sports teams in Arlington
- Arlington Youth Football Club
Universities in Arlington
- Marymount University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Richmond to Arlington?
Moving your furniture from Richmond to Arlington with a professional moving company usually ranges from $614 to $2,590. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,261 and $3,628. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,599 to $4,620 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Arlington?
If you’re moving from Richmond to Arlington and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $583 to $1,373. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,088 and $1,853. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,378 to $2,339.
How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Arlington?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $131 and $180. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $129 to $217. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Richmond to Arlington, rental prices generally fall between $160 and $248.
How far in advance should I book Richmond-to-Arlington movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Richmond to Arlington at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Richmond-to-Arlington movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Arlington?
If you want to save money on your move to Arlington, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
