Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Chesapeaketoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Raleigh to Chesapeake can be as low as $826 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 4,804.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $250 to $523. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Chesapeake

Moving from Raleigh to Chesapeake means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Chesapeake, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Raleigh compares to Chesapeake so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Raleigh Chesapeake
Average rent cost $1,670 $1,800
Average home value $431,795 $375,209
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $1,882
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $3,656
Unemployment rate 4.3% 5.0%
Sales tax 7.25% 6.0%
State income tax 4.5% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Chesapeake are 8% higher than in Raleigh, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chesapeake.
    Home prices in Chesapeake are 13.1% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Income in Chesapeake is 2,368.3% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chesapeake include Dollar Tree, Chesapeake City Schools, and Coast Guard Exchange System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chesapeake is 69.0% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chesapeake is 39.8% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 16.28% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chesapeake, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chesapeake are 17.24% lower than in Raleigh.
  • State income taxes in Chesapeake are 27.78% higher than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $929.08 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Chesapeake

Chesapeake Raleigh
Population 249,422 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 4
Walkability score 21 31
Bike friendliness score 35 39
Crime Index 25.0 38.87
Safety Index 70.88 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Chesapeake's population is about 47% less than Raleigh.
  • Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Raleigh's higher score of 4.
  • Chesapeake is less walkable than Raleigh with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
  • Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Raleigh with a score of 25.0 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Raleigh with a safety index of 70.88 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
  • Air quality in Chesapeake is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh vs. Chesapeake move

  • Weather: It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Virginia, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toChesapeake Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Chesapeake

Now that youโ€™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
  • Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
  • Colonial Village
  • North Highland
  • Ghent

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Greenbrier
  • Great Bridge
  • Hickory

Things to do in Chesapeake

Now that you've made the move to Virginia, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Chesapeake. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chesapeake, such as the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Chesapeake?

The best time to move from Raleigh to Chesapeake is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Raleigh.

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Chesapeake?

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Chesapeake in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Raleigh to Chesapeake take?

The 186-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Chesapeake, VA, takes one to two days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chesapeake.

Helpful moving resources