Moving to Virginia: costs, checklist and what to know
Virginia at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Virginia Beach · capital Richmond · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Virginia
- Income tax: Virginia taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Virginia Department of Taxation for the current year.
- Sales tax: Virginia's statewide sales tax rate is 5.3%. This includes a 1% local tax charged everywhere in Virginia (the state's own portion is 4.3%); some regions add more.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Virginia driver's license within 60 days, according to the Virginia DMV.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from New York City to Virginia Beach (about 340 road miles) runs roughly $590–$1,160 with a rental truck or $1,940–$4,520 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Virginia
- Virginia cities and counties charge a yearly personal property tax on cars, often called the "car tax."
- Virginia Beach is the largest city; Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads are the main metro areas.
- The DMV handles licenses and registration; new residents have 30 days to register a vehicle.
Main cities and metros include Virginia Beach, Richmond, Arlington, Norfolk, Alexandria. Virginia borders Maryland, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina.
How much does it cost to move to Virginia?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Virginia Beach, the largest city in Virginia. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 340 | $590–$1,160 | $1,940–$4,520 |
| Los Angeles | 2,840 | $4,070–$7,680 | $5,940–$13,520 |
| Chicago | 850 | $1,270–$2,420 | $2,760–$6,360 |
| Dallas | 1,450 | $2,190–$4,160 | $3,720–$8,520 |
| Atlanta | 620 | $1,030–$1,990 | $2,390–$5,530 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Virginia moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Virginia
Spring and fall. Northern Virginia traffic is heavy, and coastal areas face hurricanes in late summer.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Virginia new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Virginia: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Virginia?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 340 miles from New York City to Virginia Beach costs roughly $590–$1,160 if you rent a truck or $1,940–$4,520 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Virginia have a state income tax?
Yes. Virginia taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Virginia Department of Taxation for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Virginia?
Virginia's statewide sales tax rate is 5.3%. This includes a 1% local tax charged everywhere in Virginia (the state's own portion is 4.3%); some regions add more.
How long do I have to get a Virginia driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the Virginia DMV. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Virginia?
Spring and fall. Northern Virginia traffic is heavy, and coastal areas face hurricanes in late summer.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Virginia Department of Taxation and the Virginia DMV, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.