($1,157) Moving From Michigan to Virginia

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Michigan to Virginia ranges from $570 to $5,920 and takes two-seven days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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  • Family owned & operated
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Michigan moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Michigan to Virginia separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Virginia to Michigan guide.

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The best Michigan to Virginia movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Michigan to Virginia is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Michigan to Virginia:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Michigan movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2927 Millcork St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
(336) 810-1801
Palmer Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091
(586) 834-3400

Visit our Best Movers in Michigan page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Virginia?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Michigan to Virginia for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,157 - $4,070 $768 - $1,881 $560 - $1,055
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,395 - $5,920 $1,422 - $2,690 $570 - $1,192
4+ bedrooms $3,894 - $8,287 $1,799 - $3,299 $750 - $1,416

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 798 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.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to VA

There are many factors that influence Michigan moving costs. The cost to move from Michigan to Virginia will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Michigan to Virginia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Virginia will cost between $1,157 and $4,070. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to VA will range from $2,395 to $5,920, and a large move from Michigan to Virginia will cost from $3,894 to $8,287.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Michigan to Virginia?

Moving containers from Michigan to Virginia will cost you $768 to $1,881 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,422 to $2,690. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,799 to $3,299. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Michigan.

How much is a moving truck from Michigan to Virginia?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $560 to $1,055. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $570 to $1,192, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Michigan to Virginia costs from $750 to $1,416.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Michigan to Virginia a good idea?

If you’re moving to Virginia from Michigan, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Michigan vs. Virginia

Michigan Virginia
Average rent cost $1,037 $1,440
Average home cost $245,716 $392,682
Average income (per capita) $68,505 $87,249
Cost of Living Index 92 0
Unemployment rate 4.7% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 5.73%
State Income Tax 4.25% 5.75%
  • Rent is about 39% more expensive in Virginia than in Michigan.
  • Home prices are about 60% higher in Virginia than in Michigan.
  • The average income is about 27% higher in Virginia than in Michigan.
  • Cost of living is 100% lower in Virginia than in Michigan.
  • Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than Michigan by about 38%.
  • Sales taxes are 4% lower in Virginia than in Michigan.
  • Income taxes are 35% higher in Virginia than in Michigan.

How does life in Virginia differ from Michigan?

Virginia Michigan
Population 8,715,698 10,037,261
Political leaning Democratic 52-48 Republican 49.7-48.3
Summer high 87ºF 81ºF
Winter low 25ºF 14ºF
Annual rain 44" 34"
Annual snow 14" 64"
Crime index 19.3 19.98
  • The population of Virginia is approximately 13% lower than the population of Michigan.
  • In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic and Michigan voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Virginia is 87ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Virginia reaches the temperature of 25ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-four inches of annual rainfall in Virginia versus thirty-four inches of rainfall in Michigan.
  • In Virginia, it snows about fourteen inches annually versus sixty-four inches of snow in Michigan.
  • Virginia has a lower crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 19.98 vs 19.3.

Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Virginia

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Michigan versus Virginia side by side.

Pros of living in Michigan Pros of living in Virginia
Scenic beauty Strong economy
Good higher education Beautiful scenery
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundance of outdoor activities
Low cost of living Enjoyable four season weather
Beautiful lakes Strong military presence

Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Virginia

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for Virginia.

Cons of living in Michigan Cons of living in Virginia
Cold snowy winters High cost of living
Spotty economic opportunity Unpredictable weather
Poor transportation infrastructure Bad traffic congestion
Expensive education Lack of public transportation
Thick accents Air noise pollution

What to know before your move to Virginia

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Virginia. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Virginia

While you’re in Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Virginia Beach
  • Colonial Williamsburg
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Busch Gardens
  • The Natural Bridge
  • Manassas National Battlefield Park
  • Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon
  • Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive
  • Richmond Canal Walk
  • Luray Caverns
  • Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
  • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
  • Historic Jamestowne
  • Maymont Park
  • Nauticus
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  • Military Aviation Museum
  • Virginia State Capitol

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to Virginia?

The cheapest way to move from Michigan to Virginia is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Virginia?

The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in Virginia such as strong economy and beautiful scenery.

Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Virginia?

It is generally cheaper to live in Michigan than in Virginia. Housing is much more affordable in Michigan, with average rent about 28% less and home prices 37% lower than in Virginia. Taxes are also lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Virginia residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Virginia you live For example, larger cities like Alexandria and Annandale will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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