Best Movers from California to Virginia (2025 Cost Data)
Quick answer: When planning a move from California to Virginia, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,928 to $9,706. Most relocations will take about seven–21 days. Your actual price can change depending on your home size, timing, and whether you go with a professional moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Virginia to California guide.
Our track record
The best California to Virginia full-service movers
Moving from California to Virginia? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we've narrowed down the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your relocation to Virginia:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in California
With so many movers to choose from, finding the right one can be a challenge. To help, we’ve rounded up the best local movers in California. Each company on our list is known for transparent pricing, solid customer reviews, and outstanding service.
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Poor complaint handling
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Poor packing quality
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Inaccurate estimates
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
The best California to Virginia moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in California and drops it off at your new home in Virginia.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best California to Virginia moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from California to Virginia, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
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The best California to Virginia labor-only movers
If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that's the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.
For a smooth move from California to Virginia, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to VA move
How much does it cost to move from California to Virginia?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Virginia. We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,595 - $6,794 | $1,720 - $4,154 | $1,816 - $3,554 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,722 - $9,706 | $3,142 - $5,986 | $1,928 - $4,189 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,791 - $15,625 | $4,247 - $8,575 | $2,461 - $4,883 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,646 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from California to Virginia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Virginia, you can expect to spend between $1,595 and $6,794. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,722 to $9,706 on the same route (CA to VA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Virginia typically runs between $8,791 and $15,625.
Cost of moving containers from California to Virginia
Moving containers from California to Virginia will cost you $1,720 to $4,154 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,142 to $5,986. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,247 to $8,575. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Virginia
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,816 and $3,554. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,928 and $4,189. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,461 up to $4,883 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to VA
Several factors influence the cost of moving from California to Virginia. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from CA to VA
If you’re moving from California to Virginia, it’s a good idea to see how your new state compares to your old one.
Cost of living: California vs. Virginia
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between California and Virginia. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates, this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle. Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
| California | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,440 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $87,249 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 5.73% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 22% less expensive in Virginia than in California, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 49% lower in Virginia than in California.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 5% lower in Virginia than in California.
- The cost of living in Virginia is about 25% lower than in California. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
- Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 46%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 34% lower in Virginia than in California. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Virginia can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 57% lower in Virginia than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Virginia vs. California
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live. It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture, and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at how life in Virginia stacks up against California across important lifestyle factors:
| Virginia | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,715,698 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 25ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 44" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 14" | 7" |
| Crime index | 19.3 | 28.43 |
- With a population roughly 78% smaller than California, Virginia gives you more space, a more relaxed vibe, and lower living expenses. Just remember, you might notice fewer amenities around and a job market that’s not quite as fast-paced.
- During the last presidential election, both California and Virginia supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer temperatures usually hit around 87ºF in Virginia and 87ºF in California. With these temperatures being similar, you’ll likely have an easy time getting used to the new climate. Just don’t forget to think about humidity, typical weather, and energy costs to get the full picture of summer in your new place.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Virginia can dip to around 25ºF, while California typically only sees lows near 59ºF. Relocating to Virginia means getting used to colder winters, which might mean higher heating bills, new routines, and harsher weather. On the upside, you’ll also get to experience the seasonal charm and activities that come with the snow.
- for about 44 inches of rain each year in Virginia—a big shift from the 22 inches you’re used to in California. While the extra rain makes for lush landscapes, it also means more wet days. Don’t forget your rain gear and be ready to adapt for a smooth, comfortable transition.
- Every year, Virginia gets around 14 inches of snow, much more than the 7 inches that California typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter and need plenty of warm gear.
- Virginia is a safer choice than California, boasting a lower crime index of 19.3 compared to 28.43. You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind. While crime rates aren't everything, it's reassuring to know you're moving somewhere relatively safe.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Virginia
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Virginia versus California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Virginia |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Strong economy |
| Pleasant weather | Beautiful scenery |
| Abundant recreational options | Abundance of outdoor activities |
| High quality of life | Enjoyable four season weather |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Virginia
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are. As you get ready to move from California to Virginia, keep these tips in mind.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Virginia |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Heavy tax burdens | Unpredictable weather |
| Natural disasters | Bad traffic congestion |
| Terrible traffic | Lack of public transportation |
| Strange laws | Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your California to Virginia move
- Weather: Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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). Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Virginia moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Virginia, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Virginia without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called "released value protection," free of charge. 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: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Virginia
You’ll have plenty to explore in Virginia! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Historic Jamestowne
- Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
- Military Aviation Museum
Parks in Virginia
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
- Morven Park
- The Mariners' Museum & Park
- Great Falls Park
- Leesylvania State Park
Sports Teams in Virginia
- Fredericksburg Nationals (Low-A East)
- Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
- Lynchburg Hillcats (Low-A East)
- Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
- Norfolk Tides Baseball (Triple-A East)
Universities in Virginia
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- College of William & Mary
