Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Richmond, VA
The 110 mi from Chesapeake to Richmond translate to about 2h 25m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
110 mi Β· 2h 25m by car Β· VA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 664, US 17 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Richmond and Chesapeake are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.941 vs 97.858); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.1% lower in Richmond than Chesapeake as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 45.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.0Β°F vs 58.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 8.8 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.23 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.1% between Chesapeake and Richmond (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 12.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Richmond, VA from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 110 mi and the route typically takes 2h 25m via I 64 and I 664. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 33.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Richmond more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 0.1% lower than Chesapeake (97.858 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 110 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Richmond, VA.