Moving Costs in Northern Virginia (NoVA)
The average local move in Northern Virginia costs $3,211 for a 2 bedroom home. Inner NoVA (Arlington corridor) averages $3,132 while outer NoVA (Loudoun/Prince William) averages $3,160.
Based on verified rate cards from 3 movers across 27+ NoVA cities · Updated April 2026
Inner NoVA vs Outer NoVA Moving Costs
| Region | Avg 2BR Cost | Cities | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner NoVA | $3,132 | 8 | Closer to movers' bases = lower travel charges |
| Outer NoVA | $3,160 | 10 | 25-35 miles from base = 1.5-2hr travel charges |
Inner NoVA: Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Rosslyn, Pentagon City, Ballston, Shirlington, Columbia Pike. Outer NoVA: Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, Sterling, Leesburg, Centreville, Chantilly, Manassas.
All Northern Virginia Cities by Moving Cost
| City | Avg 2BR Cost | Region |
|---|---|---|
| McLean | $3,105 | — |
| Great Falls | $3,105 | Outer |
| Tysons | $3,105 | — |
| Reston | $3,125 | Outer |
| Herndon | $3,125 | Outer |
| Sterling | $3,125 | Outer |
| Arlington | $3,132 | Inner |
| Alexandria | $3,132 | Inner |
| Falls Church | $3,132 | Inner |
| Ballston | $3,132 | Inner |
| Columbia Pike | $3,132 | Inner |
| Rosslyn | $3,132 | Inner |
| Pentagon City | $3,132 | Inner |
| Shirlington | $3,132 | Inner |
| Fairfax | $3,152 | — |
| Vienna | $3,152 | — |
| Annandale | $3,152 | — |
| Ashburn | $3,152 | Outer |
| Merrifield | $3,152 | — |
| Chantilly | $3,171 | Outer |
| Springfield | $3,179 | — |
| Centreville | $3,199 | Outer |
| Manassas | $3,199 | Outer |
| Leesburg | $3,199 | Outer |
| Stone Ridge | $3,199 | Outer |
| Woodbridge | $3,226 | — |
| Nokesville | $4,808 | — |
When Is the Cheapest Time to Move in NoVA?
Cheapest: midweek in January-February, booked 2+ weeks ahead. Most expensive: last weekend of August — lease turnover in Arlington plus military PCS moves near Fort Belvoir compound demand.
NoVA has an additional factor: military PCS season (May-August) adds extra demand near Pentagon City, Springfield, and Woodbridge. If you're not on PCS orders, avoid these months for better rates.
Hiring Movers vs Moving Yourself in NoVA
For a typical 2BR move in Northern Virginia, professional movers cost approximately $3,211 vs roughly $300 for DIY. Inner NoVA apartment buildings often require insurance certificates and elevator reservations that movers handle automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do movers cost in NoVA?
The average 2 bedroom local move in Northern Virginia costs approximately $3,211. Inner NoVA (Arlington, Falls Church) averages $3,132, while outer NoVA (Loudoun, Prince William) averages $3,160.
Is it cheaper to move in inner or outer NoVA?
Inner NoVA (Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church) is generally cheaper because movers are based closer. However, outer NoVA housing is typically larger, so the total cost depends on your home size. The cheapest NoVA city is McLean at $3,105.
What areas are included in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia (NoVA) includes Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, and the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Manassas. It's part of the greater Washington, DC metro area.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday in Northern Virginia?
Yes — most NoVA movers charge 10-20% less for midweek moves. The savings are consistent across inner and outer NoVA.
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