Richmond to Arlington Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Richmond to Arlington, VA (~105 miles) costs between $126 and $4,663, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as Mr. Moving, LLC, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 102 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $100/hr per mover, with a typical 2–3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
July availability is going fast in Richmond
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Richmond to Arlington?
At 105 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Virginia companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend Mr. Moving, LLC (4.62/5) as the top local pick, followed by Heroes Moving and Storage (4.48/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 105-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Mr. Moving, LLC | $1,236–$3,697 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,034–$2,004 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $137–$237 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Mr. Moving, LLC | $100/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 102+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Richmond to Arlington?
Movers typically charge between $126 and $4,663 for a Richmond to Arlington move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 105-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $694–$4,663
- Moving containers: $806–$2,266
- Rental trucks: $126–$250
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 105 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $694–$2,970 | $806–$1,433 | $126–$197 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,236–$3,697 | $1,034–$2,004 | $137–$237 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,662–$4,663 | $1,419–$2,266 | $168–$250 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 102+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Richmond, VA movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Richmond to Arlington move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Richmond to Arlington move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Richmond to Arlington
At 105 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Virginia movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. Mr. Moving, LLC leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 102 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Virginia specialize in intrastate logistics, Virginia regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 105 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 18 Richmond movers drawing on 3,734 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- Mr. Moving, LLC at 4.62 out of 5 stars across 102 verified reviews. 87.3% of customers rate them positively.
- Heroes Moving and Storage at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 217 verified reviews. 97.7% of customers rate them positively.
- On The Fly Moving Guys at 4.42 out of 5 stars across 238 verified reviews. 97.1% of customers rate them positively.
- D1 Moving & Storage at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 222 verified reviews. 76.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Worth Moving, LLC at 4.42 out of 5 stars across 224 verified reviews. 73.2% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More popular routes from Richmond, VA
Richmond residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Virginia moving resources
What to know about moving from Richmond to Arlington
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Richmond and Arlington are both in Virginia, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Virginia law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Virginia movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Virginia intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Virginia, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Virginia intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 105 miles, most Richmond-to-Arlington moves complete in 1–2 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Richmond and Arlington commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Virginia summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Virginia expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Richmond to Arlington move:
- Verify your mover holds Virginia intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington to Richmond guide.
How does Arlington compare to Richmond?
Cost of living: Richmond vs. Arlington
Cost-of-living factors in Richmond vs. Arlington go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Arlington stacks up against Richmond.
Check out how the 2 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Richmond and Arlington comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 102+ Virginia cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Arlington are 70% higher than in Richmond. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Arlington are 164% higher than Richmond. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Arlington is 124% higher than Richmond. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- Cost of living for one person in Arlington is 203% higher than Richmond. Plan to add roughly 203% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Arlington are 124% higher than Richmond. Most of the gap shows up in housing, childcare, and after-school programming.
- Unemployment in Arlington runs 44% lower than Richmond. Expect shorter time-to-hire and stronger negotiation positioning.
- Sales taxes match in Arlington and Richmond. The move is tax-neutral for retail 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
A side-by-side comparison of life in Richmond vs. Arlington helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Richmond and Arlington so you can evaluate which city is 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 has a comparable population to Richmond. Local industries, neighborhood character, and amenities matter more than raw size.
- In the last presidential election, Arlington voted Democratic and Richmond voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Arlington (88°F) and Richmond (90°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Richmond (28°F) match Arlington (27°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Richmond and Arlington is nearly identical, at 44 inches and 43 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Richmond (11 inches) and Arlington (15 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Arlington (15.67) is lower than Richmond (48.45). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Arlington
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Arlington. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Richmond to Arlington
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Richmond to Arlington, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, Mr. Moving, LLC (4.62 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 87.3% positive reviews across 102 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $126–$4,663 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 102+ Virginia movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Richmond to Arlington
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Richmond to Arlington?
A full-service move from Richmond to Arlington ranges from $589 to $2,534 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,236–$3,697. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,662–$4,663 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Arlington?
Moving containers from Richmond to Arlington range from $588 to $1,304 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedroom homes, costs fall between $1,034 and $2,004. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect $1,419–$2,266.
How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Arlington?
A rental moving truck from Richmond to Arlington costs $130–$195 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $137–$237, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $168 and $250.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Richmond-to-Arlington movers?
Ideally, book your move from Richmond to Arlington at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Richmond-to-Arlington movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations. Because this is an intrastate move within Virginia, same-day or next-day delivery is often possible once your mover has a confirmed booking slot.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Arlington?
For the cheapest move to Arlington, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
Is moving from Richmond to Arlington considered a long-distance move?
A move from Richmond to Arlington is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Virginia, so Virginia law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 105 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Virginia intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Richmond to Arlington take?
Most moves from Richmond to Arlington take 1–2 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 105 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
