Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Chesapeaketoggle

The cost of Madison 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 Madison to Chesapeake can be as low as $1,535 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,745.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, 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 $835 to $1,979. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Madison to Chesapeake

Moving from Madison 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 Madison than in Chesapeake, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Madison Chesapeake
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,800
Average home value $367,934 $375,209
Average income (per capita) $62,919 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $2,292 $1,882
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,457 $3,656
Unemployment rate 3.3% 5.0%
Sales tax 5.5% 6.0%
State income tax 7.65% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Chesapeake are 13% higher than in Madison, 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 Madison.
    Home prices in Chesapeake are 2.0% higher than in Madison.
  • Income is the same in Chesapeake and Madison. 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 17.9% lower than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chesapeake is 33.0% lower than in Madison.
  • The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 51.52% higher than in Madison.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chesapeake, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chesapeake are 9.09% higher than in Madison.
  • One perk of moving to Chesapeake is paying less in state income taxes, which are 24.84% lower than in Madison.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,463.35 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How life is different in Madison vs. Chesapeake

Chesapeake Madison
Population 249,422 269,840
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 21 50
Bike friendliness score 35 66
Crime Index 25.0 34.57
Safety Index 70.88 65.43
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chesapeake's population is about 8% less than Madison.
  • Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Madison's higher 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 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • 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 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Virginia doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chesapeake without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Chesapeake

With your sights set on "Chesapeake", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chesapeake.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central Office
  • East Ghent
  • Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
  • Ghent
  • City Center

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Greenbrier
  • Great Bridge
  • Hickory

Things to do in Chesapeake

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Virginia, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Chesapeake has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Chesapeake features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Madison 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 Madison to Chesapeake take?

The 1,048-mile move from Madison, WI, to Chesapeake, VA, takes two to eight days. Some Madison 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