Madison, WI to Chesapeake, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Chesapeake typically costs $3,000–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,060 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to Chesapeake
Moving from Madison, WI to Chesapeake, VA typically costs $3,000–$6,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,060-mile move from Madison to Chesapeake, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,825 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $1,850 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,385 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 24, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 23, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Madison to Chesapeake
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,500, but larger homes can run up to $9,500.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Madison.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($800–$2,200) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chesapeake, VA to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Chesapeake movers by type
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Best professional movers from Madison to Chesapeake
For a stress-free interstate move from Madison to Chesapeake, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WI→VA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 39 Wisconsin moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Madison to Chesapeake
Many movers find Chesapeake easier on the wallet than Madison - roughly 18% less for singles and 33% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,882 for one person in Chesapeake versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it's $3,656 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,775 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,250 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $375,209 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $1,882 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $3,656 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 5.75% |
- As you consider relocating to Chesapeake, note that rent can be roughly 13% more expensive than it is in Madison; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Chesapeake and Madison, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- The average income in Chesapeake and Madison is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chesapeake, where the cost of living for a single person is 18% less than in Madison.
- Moving to Chesapeake could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 33% less than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 52% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 9% higher in Chesapeake than in Madison. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 25% lower in Virginia compared to Wisconsin. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Madison with Chesapeake:
| Living Expense | Madison | Chesapeake |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $302.50 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $53.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.36 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.17 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $13.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $43.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Chesapeake, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Chesapeake.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Chesapeake.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Chesapeake.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Madison than in Chesapeake.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Chesapeake.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Madison vs. Chesapeake
| Madison | Chesapeake | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 249,422 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 21 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 35 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 25.0 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 70.88 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chesapeake's population is about 8% less than Madison.
- Chesapeake's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Madison's score of 6.
- Chesapeake is less walkable than Madison with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 25.0 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Madison with a safety index of 70.88 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Chesapeake is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Chesapeake move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Virginia doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chesapeake smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chesapeake
Now that you've chosen Chesapeake as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chesapeake to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Capital District
- Central Office
- East Ghent
- Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
- Colonial Village
- North Ghent
- North Highland
- Ghent
- North Rosslyn
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenbrier
- Great Bridge
- Hickory
Things to do in Chesapeake
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it's time to see what Chesapeake is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chesapeake offers cultural landmarks like the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Southern Chesapeake Athletic Association (youth baseball and softball)Oscar Smith Tigers (high school sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Chesapeake?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Chesapeake are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Chesapeake?
Because spring and fall moves from Madison to Chesapeake are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Madison to Chesapeake take?
A move of 1,060 miles from Madison, WI to Chesapeake, VA generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Madison sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chesapeake is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Madison offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Madison have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
