Moving from Virginia Beach to Richmond, VA

Quick answer: Moving from Virginia Beach to Richmond costs $125–$4,439, 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 Virginia Beach to Richmond?

Moving from Virginia Beach to Richmond 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 Virginia Beach to Richmond costs between $125 and $4,439, 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 $1,262–$3,447 Movers handle loading, driving & unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container $1,005–$1,852 (around 30% less than full-service) Pack & load on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck $129–$232 (around 60% less than full-service) Lowest upfront cost You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only $97/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 Virginia Beach to Richmond?

Moving from Virginia Beach to Richmond costs between $125 and $4,439, 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: $688–$4,439
  • Moving containers: $799–$2,224
  • Rental trucks: $125–$238

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 $688–$3,188 $799–$1,420 $125–$186
2–3 bedrooms $1,262–$3,447 $1,005–$1,852 $129–$232
4+ bedrooms $1,683–$4,439 $1,324–$2,224 $165–$238

*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 Virginia Beach to Richmond move?

The most common extra fees on a Virginia Beach to Richmond 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 $97/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 Virginia Beach to Richmond

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Virginia Beach to Richmond, 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 Virginia Beach to Richmond. 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:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
  3. North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
  4. Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
  5. Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond to Virginia Beach guide.

How does Richmond compare to Virginia Beach?

Cost of living: Virginia Beach vs. Richmond

Cost-of-living differences between Virginia Beach and Richmond 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 Richmond compares to Virginia Beach.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Virginia Beach Richmond
Average rent cost $1,950 $1,595
Average home cost $366,324 $327,959
Average income (per capita) $90,685 $62,671
Cost of living (single person) $4,533 $2,270
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,910 $5,336
Unemployment rate 4.8% 7.1%
Average sales tax 6.0% 6.0%

Cost-of-living data for Virginia Beach and Richmond 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 Richmond are 18% lower than in Virginia Beach. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
  • Home prices in Richmond are 10% lower than Virginia Beach. Apply the savings to a larger property, a shorter mortgage, or higher equity at purchase.
  • Average income in Richmond is 31% lower than Virginia Beach. The shift only nets favorably if local cost of living is meaningfully cheaper.
  • Living expenses for one person in Richmond are 50% lower than Virginia Beach. Use the gap to accelerate financial goals you previously delayed.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Richmond is 10% lower than Virginia Beach. Lower costs free up budget for a larger home, a shorter commute, or higher household savings.
  • Unemployment in Richmond runs 48% higher than Virginia Beach. Confirm employer offers in writing before committing to the move.
  • Sales taxes match in Richmond and Virginia Beach. Taxable spending stays level through the move.

If you live on $3,000 a month in Virginia Beach, you'd need roughly $1,500 to maintain the same lifestyle in Richmond.

How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Richmond

Life in Richmond compared to Virginia Beach 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.

Virginia Beach Richmond
Population 457,672 226,610
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Republican 49-48
Summer high 88ºF 90ºF
Winter low 32ºF 28ºF
Annual rain 47" 44"
Annual snow 6" 11"
Crime index 42.0 48.45
  • Richmond is 50% smaller in size than Virginia Beach. Expect lower housing costs and easier mobility, with tradeoffs on niche dining, retail, and industry concentration.
  • In the last presidential election, Richmond leaned Republican, while Virginia Beach leaned Democratic.
  • Summer highs in Richmond (90°F) match Virginia Beach (88°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
  • Winter lows in Virginia Beach (32°F) and Richmond (28°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
  • Annual rainfall in Virginia Beach (47 inches) and Richmond (44 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
  • Annual snowfall is similar in Virginia Beach (6 inches) and Richmond (11 inches). Winter expense planning translates directly.
  • Crime index in Richmond (48.45) is higher than Virginia Beach (42.0). Property crime risk and home insurance premiums may both run higher.

Things to do in Richmond

Richmond offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.

Museums in Richmond

  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  • White House of the Confederacy
  • Science Museum of Virginia
  • Edgar Allan Poe Museum
  • Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Parks in Richmond

  • Belle Isle
  • Libby Hill Park
  • Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System)
  • Capitol Square Park
  • Rockwood Park

Sports teams in Richmond

  • Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
  • Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East)

Universities in Richmond

  • University of Richmond
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Virginia Union University

Final verdict: best movers from Virginia Beach to Richmond

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Virginia Beach to Richmond, 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 $125–$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 Virginia Beach to Richmond

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Virginia Beach to Richmond?

A full-service move from Virginia Beach to Richmond costs $632–$2,693 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,262 to $3,447, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from Virginia Beach to Richmond costs from $1,683 to $4,439.

How much are moving container companies from Virginia Beach to Richmond?

Moving containers from Virginia Beach to Richmond cost $594–$1,360 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,005 and $1,852. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,324–$2,224.

How much is a moving truck from Virginia Beach to Richmond?

A rental moving truck from Virginia Beach to Richmond costs $121–$192 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $129–$232. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $165–$238.

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 Virginia Beach-to-Richmond movers?

Book your movers for a Virginia Beach to Richmond 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 Richmond?

The cheapest moving deals to Richmond 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.