Best Chicago to Richmond Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Richmond Movers Cost?

Moving 809 miles from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Richmond that already have a booked job heading from Richmond to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Richmond from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Richmond moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Richmond moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Richmond movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Richmond move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Richmond movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Richmond moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 47 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Richmond areas.

From these 47 companies, we analyzed a total of 23,121 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 27 state and federal moving licenses from these 47 companies and 239 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~23,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 15,225 Chicago to Richmond moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Richmond moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.28/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 17,938 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

7.98/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 6,708 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.47/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 4,014 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.34/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 6,814 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.01/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 3,467 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.54/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 9,384 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.83/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 8,653 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.03/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 16,960 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.19/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 9,795 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.97/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 2,185 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.87/10 avg (Chicago & Richmond combined) from 8,878 reviews

From Chicago to Richmond: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Museum District in Richmond are both known for their historic homes & leafy parks
• Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood & Richmond's Carytown both share local shops & vibrant nightlife
• If you're moving from Wicker Park, check out Scott's Addition in the Richmond area for the artsy scene & craft breweries
• Do you enjoy The Loop's downtown core & high-rise offices? You're sure to love Shockoe Bottom
• Move from River North to Scott's Addition and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities art galleries & trendy bars
• Logan Square & The Fan District are both known for their tree-lined boulevards & cafes
• Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood & Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood both have community shops & historic charm
• If you're moving from Pilsen, look into Church Hill for the vibrant murals & cultural heritage
• Do you cherish living in Bucktown's trendy boutiques & rowhomes? Move into The Fan District for something similar
• The similar vibes of Bronzeville & Northside are both known for historic Black heritage & landmarks

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Richmond

ConsChicago, IL

• High crime rates
• Harsh winters
• Higher cost of living
• Heavy traffic

ProsRichmond, VA

• Lower crime rates
• Milder winters
• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic congestion

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Richmond, VA

• Quieter nightlife
• Smaller food scene
• Limited public transit
• Fewer landmarks

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant nightlife
• Diverse food scene
• Extensive public transit
• Cultural landmarks

Pros of moving from Chicago to Richmond

• Say goodbye to high crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Richmond with milder winters
• Swap the higher cost of living in Chicago for the lower cost of living in Richmond
• Get ready for less traffic congestion in Richmond

Cons of moving from Chicago to Richmond

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant nightlife in Chicago to live with the quieter nightlife in Richmond
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse food scene and have to settle for the con of a smaller food scene
• Time to bid farewell to extensive public transit and get used to limited public transit in Richmond
• Swap cultural landmarks for fewer landmarks

Chicago vs. Richmond: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Richmond, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Pimento Cheese of Richmond. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Richmond residents know they have tasty Fried Catfish and Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-style Vegan Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Soul Food of Richmond. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Richmond, don't wait too long before making your way to Richmond's acclaimed eateries like Sally Bell's Kitchen, Mama J's, and Sub Rosa Bakery.

When comparing lifestyles, Richmond shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Richmond compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Richmond.

Discover Richmond Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Richmond is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Girl & the Goat, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, and Au Cheval in Chicago, we're sure you'll love L'Opossum, Bottoms Up Pizza, and Burger Bach in Richmond. See our Richmond restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Oriole, head to Heritage on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Richmond

• The Modern and Victorian architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Richmond.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and proximity to transit, Richmond real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and large yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Richmond is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike, as Richmond is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Richmond has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Richmond housing costs are 20% more expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $348,593 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Richmond have increased by 50% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Richmond is 26.95% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Richmond, VA

1. Carytown/Museum District : This neighborhood is known for its walkability and proximity to dog-friendly parks and outdoor cafes.
2. Scott's Addition : With its variety of breweries and eateries that welcome pets on patios, this area is ideal for socializing with your furry friend.
3. The Fan District : Its tree-lined streets and nearby parks offer ample green space for walking pets in a vibrant community setting.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Richmond

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Chicago to Richmond. Richmond gets 11% more sunshine days than Chicago.
• Richmond has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible winter storms and tornadoes in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and summer storms in Richmond.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Richmond is 5 degrees warmer than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Richmond. Richmond receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Richmond

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Richmond tend to earn about 22% less than those in Chicago
• The COLI in Richmond is 11% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in VA is 5.75 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Richmond is high compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is moderate in Richmond compared to high in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Chicago and moderate in Richmond

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Richmond

• Chicago tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
• Richmond, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Richmond's religious environment can be described as Christian dominance with historical Virginia Faith roots
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a multicultural religious landscape

Chicago vs. Richmond Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 26% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Richmond compared to your Chicago daily drive. That's an annual savings of 4,680 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Richmond to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Richmond.