($502+) Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Virginia Beach, VA, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $502 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,566 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 651 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,421, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,566 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,051 - $3,120, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $502 - $1,298.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,138 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving options from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,138 - $5,179 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 651 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 651-mile route from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,421 - $3,829 | $1,051 - $1,775 | $502 - $940 | $856 - $1,614 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,138 - $5,179 | $1,271 - $2,507 | $537 - $1,041 | $1,038 - $2,106 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,721 - $7,566 | $1,649 - $3,120 | $631 - $1,298 | $1,320 - $2,626 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN
For the 651-mile move from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, full-service movers cost between $1,421 and $7,566. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $297 - $1,980 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Virginia Beach generally start around $183 plus $97 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,421 - $3,829
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,138 - $5,179
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,721 - $7,566
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Virginia Beach movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chattanooga, 45% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing67% of local movers | $495 - $4,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $198 - $1,188/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $297 - $2,376 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $990 - $2,970 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,475 - $9,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $742 - $1,409 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items23% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $990 - $2,475 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $792 - $3,465 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $297 - $1,485 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $644 - $1,980 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $297 - $14,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $297 - $3,465+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Virginia Beach, VA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,051 and $3,120. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Virginia Beach typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $1,775
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,271 - $2,507
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,649 - $3,120
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $693 in Virginia Beach, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $74 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $149 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chattanooga, TN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,051. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,271 - $2,507.
What are the best moving containers Virginia Beach to Chattanooga?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Virginia Beach to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Virginia Beach:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 12 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- Southside Moving and Storage (3.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Renting a moving truck for the 651-mile move from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, costs between $502 and $1,298, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $205 - $234
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Virginia Beach daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $502 - $940
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $537 - $1,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $631 - $1,298
Pro tip: A rental truck from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $502 - $1,298. But once you factor in fuel ($205 - $234), overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $205 - $234 for the 651-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for about 5 hours typically costs around $693.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 651-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $149 per night, adding $297 - $446 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $50 and $297.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,038 and $2,106.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $856 - $1,614
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,038 - $2,106
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,320 - $2,626
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Virginia Beach, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $693.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $74 - $149 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Virginia Beach to Chattanooga?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Chattanooga, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chattanooga, side by side with Virginia Beach on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Virginia Beach, VA | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 105 | 90 |
| Average rent | $1,950/mo | $1,475/mo |
| Median home value | $366,324 | $259,125 |
| Average income | $90,685/yr | $61,028/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | None |
| Walkability score | 33/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 58.0/100 | 46.11/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Virginia Beach, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Tennessee, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Virginia alone has 304 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 651-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 651-mile move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Chattanooga, TN, costs between $1,421 and $7,566 with full-service movers, $1,051 - $3,120 with a moving container, and $502 - $1,298 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,138 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Virginia Beach, VA, to Chattanooga, TN
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($205 - $234), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $149/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $537 - $1,041. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia Beach, VA to Chattanooga, TN?
Costs on this route range from around $502 to $7,566, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,421 and $7,566, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Virginia Beach?
Local movers based in Virginia Beach typically start around $183 as a base rate, plus $97/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chattanooga run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Virginia Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Virginia Beach handle piano moves, and 23% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.