Moving from Richmond to Arlington, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to Arlington costs $131–$4,439, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 105-mile route within Virginia take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Richmond to Arlington?
Moving from Richmond to Arlington doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 105-mile move:
Moving from Richmond to Arlington costs between $131 and $4,439, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 105-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,176–$3,555 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,078–$1,909 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $131–$212 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $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 103+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Richmond to Arlington?
Movers typically charge between $131 and $4,439 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: $674–$4,439
- Moving containers: $857–$2,293
- Rental trucks: $131–$245
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 | $674–$3,036 | $857–$1,462 | $131–$182 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,176–$3,555 | $1,078–$1,909 | $131–$212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,734–$4,439 | $1,352–$2,293 | $156–$245 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 103+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
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
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Richmond to Arlington, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 105 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Richmond to Arlington. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Virginia, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 105 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- 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 Virginia moving resources
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 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Richmond and Arlington comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 103+ 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 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 $131–$4,439 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ 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 $602 to $2,436 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $1,176–$3,555. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,734–$4,439 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Arlington?
Moving containers from Richmond to Arlington break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $577 to $1,373. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $1,078 and $1,909. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,352 to $2,293.
How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Arlington?
A rental moving truck from Richmond to Arlington costs $131–$190 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $131–$212, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $156 and $245.
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.
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.
