Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach costs $129–$4,484, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 106-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 Virginia Beach?
Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach 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 106-mile move:
Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach costs between $129 and $4,484, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 106-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,225–$3,664 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,047–$1,871 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $136–$235 (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 Virginia Beach?
Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach costs between $129 and $4,484, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 106-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $701–$4,484
- Moving containers: $783–$2,408
- Rental trucks: $129–$243
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 106 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $701–$3,036 | $783–$1,462 | $129–$196 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,225–$3,664 | $1,047–$1,871 | $136–$235 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,734–$4,484 | $1,406–$2,408 | $157–$243 |
*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 Virginia Beach move?
The most common extra fees on a Richmond to Virginia Beach move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
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 Virginia Beach
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Richmond to Virginia Beach, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 106 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 Virginia Beach. 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 106 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 Virginia Beach to Richmond guide.
How does Virginia Beach compare to Richmond?
Cost of living: Richmond vs. Virginia Beach
Cost-of-living differences between Richmond and Virginia Beach extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Virginia Beach compares to 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Richmond and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach are 22% higher than in Richmond. The gap is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or housing tradeoffs.
- Home prices in Virginia Beach are 12% higher than Richmond. Plan for a larger down payment, higher monthly carry, and a longer path to comparable home equity.
- Average income in Virginia Beach is 45% higher than Richmond. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Living expenses for one person in Virginia Beach are 100% higher than Richmond. The premium is most visible in housing and dining out.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Virginia Beach runs 11% higher than Richmond. A household on a single income may need a corresponding raise to maintain the same lifestyle.
- Unemployment in Virginia Beach runs 32% lower than Richmond. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes match in Virginia Beach and Richmond. Taxable spending stays level through the move.
If you live 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
Life in Virginia Beach compared to Richmond differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps 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 is 102% larger in size than Richmond. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Virginia Beach leaned Democratic, while Richmond leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Virginia Beach (88°F) match Richmond (90°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in Richmond (28°F) and Virginia Beach (32°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in Richmond (44 inches) and Virginia Beach (47 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall is similar in Richmond (11 inches) and Virginia Beach (6 inches). Winter expense planning translates directly.
- Crime index in Virginia Beach (42.0) is lower than Richmond (48.45). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Richmond to Virginia Beach
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Richmond to Virginia Beach, 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 $129–$4,484 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 Virginia Beach
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
A full-service move from Richmond to Virginia Beach costs $614–$2,641 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,225 to $3,664, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Richmond to Virginia Beach costs from $1,734 to $4,484.
How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
Moving containers from Richmond to Virginia Beach cost $571–$1,373 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,047 and $1,871. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,406–$2,408.
How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
A rental moving truck from Richmond to Virginia Beach costs $133–$201 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $136–$235. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $157–$243.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Richmond-to-Virginia Beach movers?
Book your movers for a Richmond to Virginia Beach move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Virginia Beach?
The cheapest moving deals to Virginia Beach fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
