Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach, VA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach costs between $121 to $4,351 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 106-mile route within Virginia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Richmond to Virginia Beach
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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 106 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,164 - $3,556 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,047 - $1,815 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $133 - $223 | 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 Virginia Beach?
It costs between $121 to $4,351 to move from Richmond to Virginia Beach. The prices below break down your 106-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $694 - $4,351
- Moving containers: $824 - $2,202
- Rental trucks: $121 - $250
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $694 - $2,977 | $824 - $1,365 | $121 - $192 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,164 - $3,556 | $1,047 - $1,815 | $133 - $223 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,599 - $4,351 | $1,285 - $2,202 | $152 - $250 |
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 Virginia Beach
At 106 miles, your Richmond to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 106 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Mr. Moving, LLC is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Richmond to Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach to Richmond guide.
Considerations when moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach
Cost of living: Richmond vs. Virginia Beach
Comparing life in Richmond and Virginia Beach goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Virginia Beach stacks up against Richmond.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Richmond | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,950 |
| Average home cost | $327,959 | $366,324 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,671 | $90,685 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,270 | $4,533 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,336 | $5,910 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Virginia Beach are 22% higher than in Richmond. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Virginia Beach are 12% higher than in Richmond. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Virginia Beach is 45% higher than in Richmond, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 100% higher in Virginia Beach compared to Richmond. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Virginia Beach, expect living costs to be about 11% higher than in Richmond. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Virginia Beach a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Virginia Beach is 32% lower than in Richmond, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Virginia Beach and Richmond, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Richmond, you’d need roughly $6,000 to maintain the same lifestyle in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Richmond vs. Virginia Beach
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Virginia Beach compared to Richmond. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Richmond | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 457,672 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 44" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 11" | 6" |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 42.0 |
Virginia Beach sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Virginia Beach is approximately 102% greater than the population of Richmond. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- In the last presidential election, Virginia Beach leaned Democratic, while Richmond leaned Republican.
- Moving between Richmond and Virginia Beach won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 88°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Richmond and Virginia Beach experience similar lows—expect 28°F in Richmond and 32°F in Virginia Beach.
- Both Richmond and Virginia Beach experience similar annual rainfall, with Richmond receiving 44 inches and Virginia Beach getting 47 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Richmond and Virginia Beach, with Richmond getting about 11 inches and Virginia Beach seeing 6 inches.
- You’ll feel safer in Virginia Beach, thanks to its lower crime index (42.0) compared to Richmond (48.45).
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Virginia Beach.
Museums in Virginia Beach
- Military Aviation Museum
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Ferry Plantation House
- Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Parks in Virginia Beach
- Neptune's Park
- Mount Trashmore Park
- Bayville Farms Park
- Great Neck Park
- Munden Point Park
Sports teams in Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two)
Universities in Virginia Beach
- Atlantic University
- Regent University
- Virginia Wesleyan University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
Shipping furniture from Richmond to Virginia Beach with a mover will cost between $590 and $2,641. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,164–$3,556, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Richmond to Virginia Beach will cost from $1,599–$4,351.
How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
If you're moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $577 to $1,373. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,047 and $1,815. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,285 up to $2,202.
How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $126 and $180. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $133 to $223. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach, truck rental prices typically range from $152 up to $250.
How far in advance should I book Richmond-to-Virginia Beach movers?
For a smooth move from Richmond to Virginia Beach, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Virginia Beach?
To score the best moving deals to Virginia Beach, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
