Cost to move from New Jersey to Virginia (2026)
Moving from New Jersey to Virginia, a 355-mile interstate move, typically costs between $1,840 and $7,440 for professional movers depending on your home size. A standard 2–3 bedroom household move averages around $1,920–$5,720 with full-service movers. If your budget is the priority, renting a truck and handling the move yourself generally costs $450–$840 for a 2-bedroom home on this route.
Use the moving cost calculator below to get a personalized estimate based on your home size and the services you need.
Heading the other direction? Read our moving from Virginia to New Jersey guide.
How much does it cost to move from New Jersey to Virginia?
Estimated costs for a New Jersey to Virginia move vary significantly by your home size and the level of service you need. The table below shows average moving costs by move type and home size for this 355-mile route, according to GoodMigrations’ 2026 cost data.
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,840–$4,300 | $1,210–$2,040 | $420–$760 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,920–$5,090 | $1,430–$2,200 | $450–$840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,640–$5,720 | $1,660–$2,780 | $510–$870 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,990–$6,460 | $1,830–$3,010 | $530–$1,050 |
| 5 bedrooms | $3,480–$7,440 | $1,980–$3,230 | $630–$1,090 |
Pricing data last updated June 2026. These cost ranges reflect typical costs for interstate moves on this route and will vary based on your move’s inventory, timing, and services.
What affects the cost of moving from New Jersey to Virginia?
No two New Jersey to Virginia moves cost the same. Home size, timing, move type, and a few other variables can push your final bill significantly higher or lower. Here's what to factor into your planning:
- Home size and volume: The biggest cost factor is how much you're moving. Movers price long-distance moves by weight, so every room added to the inventory increases labor, truck space, and your final cost. A 1-bedroom move on this route looks nothing like a 4-bedroom move.
- Distance: At around 355 miles, your move is considered a long-haul interstate move. Fuel costs, drive time, and mileage fees are all baked into your quote, and they'll be higher than what you'd pay on a shorter regional move.
- Time of year: Moving season runs May through August, and prices climb noticeably during that window. Spring and fall moves, especially mid-month on a weekday, tend to come in 20–30% cheaper than peak summer times.
- Move type: Full-service movers (e.g., International Van Lines) handle everything from packing to delivery but cost the most. Containers (e.g., U-Pack) let you pack on your own schedule while they handle the hauling, typically costing around 30% less. Rental trucks (e.g., U-Haul) are the cheapest option but put all the labor on you, often costing 55% less than full-service movers.
- Access and logistics: Stairs, elevators, long carries, or narrow driveways add fees on top of your base quote. If the moving truck can't pull up directly, shuttle service charges apply, typically $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums around $200.
- Add-on services: Professional packing, specialty item handling, and storage each add to the bottom line. Know what you actually need before requesting quotes so you're comparing apples to apples.
- Scheduling flexibility: Movers charge more when you lock them into tight windows. Giving a few extra days of flexibility on pickup or delivery can bring your quote down.
How to get an accurate moving quote from New Jersey to Virginia
Getting an accurate quote for a 355-mile move means giving movers what they need to price it correctly. Phone estimates based on ballpark inventory are the leading cause of charges that don't match the original quote:
- Request a virtual or in-home walkthrough: Phone estimates based on a rough bedroom count routinely miss items, which turns into unexpected charges when the truck is weighed. A walkthrough, even over video, gives the mover a real picture of what's being moved.
- Ask for a binding estimate: A binding estimate locks in your price regardless of what the shipment actually weighs at delivery. On a long-distance move, this is the most important protection you can have against a bill that balloons after weigh-in.
- Compare at least three quotes: Don't just look at the bottom line. Compare the line items. Labor rates, fuel surcharges, packing materials, and valuation coverage vary between companies and can explain big price differences.
- Ask about every possible add-on upfront: Stairs, elevators, long carries, shuttle service, packing materials, and specialty item fees are commonly left out of initial quotes. Get the full fee schedule before you commit.
- Confirm your moving window in writing: Pickup and delivery dates should be spelled out in your contract. Vague "estimated" windows can lead to delays and unexpected storage charges that add up fast.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in New Jersey.
Best moving companies for New Jersey to Virginia moves
For a 355-mile move from New Jersey to Virginia, you may want to compare at least one licensed interstate moving company, one moving container option, and one rental truck. Always verify a mover's USDOT number at the FMCSA site before signing a contract.
- Best full-service mover: International Van Lines — handles loading, transport, and delivery for your NJ–VA move.
- Best moving container: U-Pack — you pack at your own pace; they take care of the 355-mile haul.
- Best rental truck: U-Haul — the most cost-effective option if you're comfortable driving yourself.
How to avoid moving scams on a New Jersey to Virginia move:
- Look up your mover's USDOT number at FMCSA.dot.gov before booking. All licensed interstate movers are federally required to have one.
- Be cautious of any company asking for a large deposit before pickup. Legitimate movers rarely require more than 10% upfront.
- Get your estimate in writing as a binding quote. A verbal or non-binding estimate isn't a price guarantee and can change at weigh-in.
- Walk away from any mover with no physical address, no USDOT number, or a quote that's dramatically lower than every other estimate you've received.
DIY moving options from New Jersey to Virginia
Not everyone needs a full-service mover for a New Jersey to Virginia move. Containers cost about 30% less than full-service on average, and rental trucks, where you handle everything yourself, can run around 55% less. Both are legitimate options depending on your budget and how much you're comfortable taking on.
There are also labor-only movers who handle the lifting without the logistics, which is useful if loading up all your belongings isn't something you want to deal with. Here's a breakdown of each option:
Moving from New Jersey to Virginia with moving containers
Moving containers work well for people who want to pack on their own schedule without committing to a full-service price tag. The container company drops off a unit at your door, gives you time to load it, and then drives it to Virginia while you make your own way there. It removes the driving stress while keeping you in control of the packing timeline.
Our top pick: U-Pack
Rental trucks from New Jersey to Virginia
A rental truck puts you in full control of the timeline and the cost. There's no wait for a mover's schedule, and at roughly 55% less than full-service, the savings are real. The tradeoff is that everything from loading to the long drive to unloading falls on you and whoever you can recruit to help.
Our top pick: U-Haul
Labor-only movers for New Jersey to Virginia
Labor-only movers handle the loading and unloading, while you provide the truck or container and drive between states yourself. For a New Jersey to Virginia move, you'd book a crew in New Jersey for pickup and a separate crew in Virginia for delivery, or use a national labor-only platform that coordinates both ends. It's a good option if the physical work doesn’t appeal to you but you want to keep costs below full-service.
Tip: If you're on the fence between full-service and a container, consider your packing timeline. Containers give you days or weeks to pack at your own pace, which suits moves where you're juggling work or childcare. Full-service requires you to be ready by a set pickup date, which means committing to a packing schedule well in advance.
How does living in Virginia compare to New Jersey?
A long-distance move is as much a lifestyle decision as a logistical one. Here's how New Jersey and Virginia stack up on the factors that matter most to people relocating between them.
Cost of living
| Metric | New Jersey | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,368 | $1,440 |
| Average home value | $534,773 | $392,682 |
| Per capita income | $97,126 | $87,249 |
| Cost of living index | 114 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 2.9% |
| Sales tax (avg) | 6.6% | 5.73% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 5.75% |
Weather
| Metric | New Jersey | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Average summer high | 85ºF | 87ºF |
| Average winter low | 22ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual rainfall | 48" | 44" |
| Annual snowfall | 23" | 14" |
People and demographics
| Metric | New Jersey | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,290,841 | 8,715,698 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-46.1 | Democratic 52-48 |
| Crime index | 16.2 | 19.3 |
Why are people moving from New Jersey to Virginia?
Cost of living, housing affordability, job market, and lifestyle are the factors that most commonly drive state-to-state moves. Here's how New Jersey and Virginia compare on the ones that tend to matter most to people making this particular move:
| Factor | New Jersey | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 114 | 100 |
| Per capita income | $97,126 | $87,249 |
| Average home value | $534,773 | $392,682 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 5.75% |
Virginia's cost of living index of 100 comes in below New Jersey's 114, making affordability one of the most common reasons people make this move. Lower ongoing costs for housing and daily expenses can offset what you spend on the move itself within the first year or two of living there.
Popular New Jersey to Virginia moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the New Jersey to Virginia route. Each guide includes local cost estimates, mover recommendations specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood details to help you plan for your destination:
- Newark, NJ to Virginia Beach, VA Movers
- Jersey City, NJ to Virginia Beach, VA Movers
- Newark, NJ to Chesapeake, VA Movers
- Newark, NJ to Arlington, VA Movers
- Newark, NJ to Norfolk, VA Movers
- Jersey City, NJ to Chesapeake, VA Movers
- Newark, NJ to Richmond, VA Movers
- Jersey City, NJ to Arlington, VA Movers
- Jersey City, NJ to Norfolk, VA Movers
- Jersey City, NJ to Richmond, VA Movers
- Browse all New Jersey moving routes
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from New Jersey to Virginia?
Full-service movers for a New Jersey to Virginia move typically cost $1,920–$5,720 for a 2–3 bedroom home on this 355-mile route. Smaller 1-bedroom moves start around $1,840, and larger 4–5 bedroom households can reach $7,440. DIY options like containers and rental trucks cost significantly less.
What are the benefits of moving to Virginia from New Jersey?
Virginia has a few things going for it that are worth factoring into your decision:
- Strong economy
- Beautiful scenery
- Abundance of outdoor activities
- Enjoyable four season weather
- Strong military presence
When is the worst time to move from New Jersey to Virginia?
Avoid booking your move at the end of June, July, or August if you can help it, since that's when demand is highest and mover availability is tightest. End-of-month dates year-round are also expensive. The most budget-friendly window for a New Jersey to Virginia move is typically mid-week in October, November, March, or April.
How far in advance should I book movers from New Jersey to Virginia?
Book at least 6–8 weeks ahead for a spring or fall move and 10–12 weeks ahead for a summer move on this route. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you'll have on dates, and movers are more likely to work with you on pricing when they're not already turning away business.
What hidden fees should I watch out for on a New Jersey to Virginia move?
Interstate moving bills can grow significantly from the quoted price if you're not watching for add-on charges. Here are the most common ones on a New Jersey to Virginia move:
- Fuel surcharges: Usually 8–15% of the transportation charge on routes over a few hundred miles.
- Access fees: Charged when loading or unloading requires extra work, such as stairs, long carries, elevators, or tight driveways. Can run $75–$500+.
- Shuttle service: If the semi can't reach your home, a smaller truck is required, typically $0.08–$0.12 per pound.
- Bulky-item charges: Large or heavy items like safes, pool tables, or sectional sofas often carry per-item fees of $150–$400.
- Storage-in-transit: If delivery is delayed, expect to pay around $0.50 per cubic foot per month.
Request the mover's full rate sheet upfront and confirm which of these apply to your specific situation before you commit.
Should I get an in-home estimate for a New Jersey to Virginia move?
Yes. For a 355-mile move, taking the time to do a virtual or in-home walkthrough is worth it. It gives the mover an accurate picture of what's being shipped, which leads to a more reliable quote and reduces the chances of surprise charges after weigh-in. It's also your best opportunity to flag specialty items that need to be priced correctly upfront.
What is the cheapest way to move from New Jersey to Virginia?
Renting a truck and driving yourself is the least expensive option on this route, typically $450–$840 for a 2-bedroom home, though fuel, insurance, and equipment rental can add to that base cost. Moving containers are the next most affordable option and don’t require you to drive. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. Use the moving cost calculator to compare all three options for your specific home size and budget.
How does the cost of living in Virginia compare to New Jersey?
Moving to Virginia from New Jersey typically means a lower cost of living. With an index of 100 versus New Jersey's 114, day-to-day costs like rent, groceries, and utilities are generally more affordable in Virginia. Many people find those ongoing savings outweigh the upfront cost of a long-distance move within the first couple of years. The index benchmarks each state against a national average of 100.
What's the weather like in Virginia compared to New Jersey?
Virginia and New Jersey have similar climates overall. Summer highs in Virginia average 87°F versus 85°F in New Jersey, and winter lows average 25°F versus 22°F. You shouldn't need to make major adjustments to your wardrobe or home setup after the move. Annual snowfall in Virginia averages 14 inches compared to 23 inches in New Jersey.
How long does a move from New Jersey to Virginia take?
Full-service movers typically take 1–4 days from pickup to delivery on the New Jersey to Virginia route. Actual transit time depends on whether your shipment is on a dedicated truck or consolidated with other moves, since consolidated loads can take longer. Moving containers generally take 1–2 weeks from when you finish loading to delivery, since they move on a ground freight schedule. Rental trucks are the fastest option since you drive directly and control the timeline, though a 355-mile haul typically takes 1–2 days of driving.
Who regulates interstate moves out of New Jersey?
Interstate moves from New Jersey are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. All interstate movers are required to hold an active USDOT number. Federal rules also give you the right to a written estimate, the right to dispute a bill that exceeds your binding estimate, and the right to have your belongings released once you've paid the agreed amount. Verify any mover you're considering at the FMCSA site before signing a contract.
What should you do when you arrive in Virginia?
A few high-priority tasks for your first week in Virginia:
- Forward your mail and update your address with your bank, employer, insurance carriers, and the IRS.
- Set up utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet before move-in day when possible.
- Change your locks and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Driver's license: To obtain a driver's license, individuals must pass written, vision, and driving tests. To be eligible, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner's permit for at least 9 months. Specialized license types such as motorcycle, commercial, and provisional for under 18 are also available. Drivers with a valid out-of-state license can convert it without taking the test. Driver's licenses are issued by the DMV and are valid for 8 years, and can be renewed online or in person.
- Vehicle registration: All vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspections at DMV-approved stations. Vehicles that fail can be re-inspected for free within 60 days. Upon passing, a sticker is issued to indicate the vehicle's compliance.
- Register to vote at your new Virginia address.
Moving from New Jersey to Virginia: what to know
A New Jersey to Virginia move covers 355 miles and costs $1,920–$5,720 for a 2–3 bedroom home with full-service movers. Containers and rental trucks bring that number down by 30% to 55%. For most people on this route, full-service is the right call for larger homes and tight timelines, DIY options make more sense when cost is the top priority and you have time to spare.
Book 6–12 weeks out depending on your season, compare at least three quotes, and aim for a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when you can. Use the moving cost calculator to build an estimate before you start contacting movers.