How Much Do Movers Cost in Arlington, VA?
The average local move in Arlington, VA costs $4,811, with prices typically ranging from $4,167 to $5,455 depending on move size.
Based on verified rate cards from 3 licensed, insured moving companies servicing Arlington, VA · Updated April 2026
Arlington Moving Costs at a Glance
- A 2 bedroom move in Arlington costs approximately $3,132
- Local movers charge $79–$115 per hour per worker
- Summer moves cost 10–20% more than winter moves
- Midweek moves (Mon–Wed) save ~10% compared to weekends
- Long distance: Arlington to NYC costs approximately $6,782 for a 2BR
Moving Costs by Home Size
| Move Size | ~Cu Ft | In and Out Movers | Next Generation Movers | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 150 | $856 | $2,800 | $1,397 |
| 1 Bedroom | 400 | $1,454 | $3,160 | $1,733 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 800 | $1,918 | $6,240 | $3,132 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 1,500 | $3,178 | $11,700 | $5,638 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 1,900 | $3,488 | $14,820 | $7,122 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | 2,500 | $5,523 | $19,500 | $9,844 |
Prices reflect baseline midweek rates. Weekend, summer, and last-minute moves may cost 10–20% more. Pricing sourced directly from company rate cards.
In summary, a studio move in Arlington costs an average of $1,397, a 2 bedroom move costs approximately $3,132, and a 5+ bedrooms move averages $9,844. These prices are based on 3 verified movers and reflect midweek, off-peak rates.
About Moving in Arlington
Arlington is one of the most popular destinations for young professionals in the DC area, located directly across the Potomac from the capital. With walkable urban villages like Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn, it combines city living with Virginia's lower taxes. Housing is heavily apartment and condo-dominated near Metro stations, with single-family homes in outer neighborhoods. Its proximity to DC and abundance of movers make it competitively priced.
Cheapest & Most Affordable Movers in Arlington, VA
For a typical move in Arlington — defined as a 2 bedroom home, the most common move size in the DC metro area — In and Out Movers offers the lowest verified price at approximately $1,918, compared to the average of $3,132 across all verified movers. That's 39% below the market average.
How to Get the Cheapest Move in Arlington
- $ Move midweek (Mon–Wed) — saves ~10% vs weekend rates
- $ Book in winter (Dec–Feb) — off-peak season discounts of ~10%
- $ Book 2+ weeks ahead — avoids the ~10% last-minute surcharge
- $ Choose self-service packing — pack your own boxes and save the packing fee entirely
- $ Declutter before the move — fewer items means less cubic footage, which directly lowers the price
- $ Avoid end-of-month dates — lease turnovers drive up demand and prices in the last 7 days of each month
- $ Compare multiple movers — pricing varies significantly between companies for the same move
Combining multiple savings strategies can stack. A Arlington resident booking a midweek winter move with self-service packing, 3 weeks in advance, could pay as little as $1,554 for a 2 bedroom move — compared to the peak-season average of $3,758.
Hiring Movers vs Moving Yourself in Arlington
For a typical 2 bedroom move in Arlington, hiring professional movers with self-service packing costs approximately $3,132, while renting a truck and doing it yourself costs roughly $300. The professional premium of $2,832 buys you insurance coverage, professional equipment, and saves 8–10 hours of physical labor.
| Option | 2BR Cost | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | $3,915 | Nothing — movers pack, load, transport, and unload |
| Self Service | $3,132 | You pack boxes — movers handle loading and transport |
| DIY (Truck Rental) | $300 | Everything — you pack, load, drive, and unload |
Full service estimate includes professional packing. DIY estimate based on a one-day local truck rental with fuel. Professional movers include liability coverage; DIY moves do not.
Moving Costs from Arlington to Nearby Cities
| Destination | 1 BR | 2 BR | 3 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | $1,733 | $3,132 | $5,638 |
| Falls Church | $1,733 | $3,132 | $5,638 |
| Georgetown | $1,733 | $3,132 | $5,638 |
| Foggy Bottom | $1,733 | $3,132 | $5,638 |
| Reston | $1,733 | $3,132 | $5,638 |
| Bethesda | $1,733 | $3,132 | $5,638 |
Average prices based on 3 verified movers. Actual cost varies by time of year, day of week, and access conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a move cost in Arlington?
For a studio or 1 bedroom apartment, expect $600–$1,100. For a 2 bedroom, roughly $1,200–$1,800. Most Arlington apartments near Metro stations have elevators and loading docks, keeping moves efficient.
Do Arlington apartments have move-in fees?
Most high-rise buildings in Clarendon, Ballston, and Rosslyn charge move-in fees ($200–$500) and require freight elevator reservations 1-2 weeks ahead. Some require a certificate of insurance from your mover. Check your lease for specifics.
When is the busiest moving time in Arlington?
September 1 and end-of-month weekends. Arlington has one of the highest renter turnover rates in the DC area. The Clarendon/Ballston corridor sees especially heavy move volume. Book 3+ weeks ahead during these periods.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to DC?
Arlington to DC neighborhoods like Georgetown or Foggy Bottom is 3-5 miles. For a 1 bedroom move, expect roughly $700–$1,100. The short distance across the Potomac keeps costs low.
Is Arlington cheaper than DC for moving?
Generally yes — Arlington apartments tend to have better truck access, more loading docks, and fewer parking challenges than older DC neighborhoods. A comparable 1 bedroom move might cost 10-15% less in Arlington than in Adams Morgan or Capitol Hill.
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