Best Virginia Beach to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Virginia Beach to Salinas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,924 mile move from Virginia to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 22 Virginia Beach to Salinas moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Marathon Moving Services), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Virginia Beach compared to Salinas. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Virginia Beach to Salinas Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Marathon Moving Services9.299.25Authorized For HHG
2Prime Movers USA9.099.39Authorized For Property, HHG
3Mod Movers8.818.1Authorized For HHG
4Poulos Moving Systems8.378.48Authorized For HHG
5A Friendly & Affordable Mover8.238.74Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Virginia Beach to Salinas?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,924 miles from Virginia Beach, VA to Salinas, CA will cost on average $4,268 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Virginia Beach to Salinas move is roughly $10,322. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,860300 ft³$9.53
1 Bedroom$4,268450 ft³$9.48
2 Bedrooms$7,075750 ft³$9.43
3 Bedrooms$10,3221100 ft³$9.38
4 Bedrooms$14,9341600 ft³$9.33
5+ Bedrooms$16,7111800 ft³$9.28
*Please note: These Virginia to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Virginia & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed VA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salinas to Virginia Beach guide.

Compare the 5 Best Virginia Beach to Salinas Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Marathon Moving Services Logo

Marathon Moving Services

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.29/10
based on 970+ data points

MMS

Virginia Beach, VA, 23464

About Marathon Moving Services

Are you looking for an independently-owned moving company that provides affordable and reliable moving services in Virginia Beach? Marathon Moving Services...

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Packing & Delivery

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3572153 / 1552140

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Prime Movers USA Logo

Prime Movers USA

Exceptional9.09/10
based on 576+ data points

531 Fountain Lake Dr

Virginia Beach, VA, 23451

About Prime Movers USA

Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Prime Movers offers premium moving services at unmatched prices. Founded in 2015, it takes pride in...

Services

  • Local moves (within 50 miles)
  • Long distance moves (over 50 miles)
  • Packing/unpacking services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2995403 / 21183

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved9,060 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.81/10
based on 960+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.37/10
based on 464+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
4
A Friendly & Affordable Mover Logo

A Friendly & Affordable Mover

Very Good
claimed company icon
8.23/10
based on 1,134+ data points

516 Central Dr Suite 104

Virginia Beach, VA, 23454

About A Friendly & Affordable Mover

A Friendly and Affordable Mover is a locally-owned moving company in Virginia Beach, VA. Founded in 1989, this company is one...

Services

  • Local and long-distance professional moving services
  • Free in-home estimates
  • Loading and unloading services for rental trucks, storage areas, and PODS

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3239170 / 1036449

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Virginia Beach vs. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a daunting experience, especially when it means transitioning to an unfamiliar city. To ease this process, we've created a straightforward comparison that highlights the local neighborhoods between Virginia Beach, VA & Salinas, CA . Using this comparison, you can quickly find a new neighborhood in Salinas that feels like home, based on your favorite Virginia Beach area.

Virginia BeachSalinasHow They're Similar
OceanfrontSouth SalinasSeaside community vibes
Great NeckToro ParkFamily-friendly, with park access
SandbridgeCorral de TierraQuiet, country living
Town CenterDowntown SalinasUrban living with amenities
Chic's BeachOak HillsLaid-back, close-knit community
Bay ColonyMaple ParkHistorical homes, mature landscapes
KempsvilleCreeksideSuburban comfort, shopping nearby
PungoBorondaAgricultural roots, spacious properties
AlantonLas PalmasExclusive, with luxury homes
Red Mill FarmLaurelwoodFamily-friendly, community parks

If you're migrating from the tranquil streets of Sandbridge, you'll find solace in Corral de Tierra's serene setting, characterizing the quiet, countryside appeal you're accustomed to. For those drawn to the vibrant city life in Town Center, Downtown Salinas offers an authentic urban experience, complete with diverse dining options like Giorgio's Italian Restaurant and cultural hotspots such as the National Steinbeck Center. Meanwhile, Great Neck residents moving to Toro Park can expect a similarly exceptional family-friendly atmosphere, bolstered by access to natural spaces like Toro County Park, perfect for weekend escapades.

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Things to Do in Salinas

  • Explore Pinnacles National Park.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at River Road Wine Trail.
  • Visit the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum.
  • Stroll along Salinas River Walk.
  • Attend California Rodeo Salinas.
  • Shop at Oldtown Salinas.
  • Take a class at Heidi’s Studio.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia Beach to Salinas

Embarking on a relocation journey often requires weighing various factors to make an informed decision. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of Virginia Beach, VA to Salinas, CA relocation , listing the pros and cons to help you visualize what you're gaining and what you're leaving behind. The purpose of these charts is to ensure that you understand both sides of the coin thoroughly before making your move.

CONs
PROs
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Higher humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Longer commutes
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Standard nightlife
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Less natural disasters
  • Greener travel options
  • Rich cultural mix
  • Vibrant nightlife
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Fewer beaches
  • Higher living expenses
  • Smaller community
  • Narrow job sectors
  • Fewer large events
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Beach access
  • Lower cost of living
  • Vibrant community
  • Broad job market
  • Festivals and events

Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Salinas, CA means embracing a milder climate that can enhance your daily life by reducing the discomfort caused by high humidity and the threat of hurricanes. While Virginia Beach offers easy access to the beach and a series of renowned festivals such as the Neptune Festival, Salinas provides a refreshingly diverse culture, rich with agricultural events like the Salinas Valley Food & Wine. Although Salinas might have higher living expenses, the city compensates with its rich cultural mix and ways to lead a greener lifestyle. Popular areas such as Oldtown Salinas offer vibrant nightlife with establishments like the 201 Main complex that comprises an upscale restaurant and entertainment venues, contributing to a lively night scene that's hard to beat.

Virginia Beach vs. Salinas Food Guide

Food is a crucial aspect of local culture, influencing the overall living experience in a new location. This guide is designed to help you understand what dining might be like after moving, by providing a comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia Beach & Salinas . Whether you're craving seafood by the ocean or fresh produce from the salad bowl of the world, you'll get a taste of what to expect in your new home.

Virginia Beach
Salinas
Most iconic local food item
Seafood
Artichoke
Most popular meat dish
Crab Cakes
Tri-tip BBQ
Most popular street food item
Fish Tacos
Tacos al Pastor
Most popular vegan food
Seaweed Salad
Grilled Artichokes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Captain George's Seafood Restaurant
  • Waterman's Surfside Grille
  • Tautog's Restaurant
  • Patria
  • GioGio's Bistro
  • Tarpy's Roadhouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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Virginia Beach offers a rich seafood tradition with restaurants like Captain George's providing a feast of the ocean's bounty. The locality is known for its crab cakes and fish tacos that reflect the city's seaside lifestyle. On the other hand, Salinas, placed in the heart of an agricultural hub, boasts fresh produce with artichokes taking center stage as a local delicacy. The culinary scene in Salinas also features a mix of traditional and innovative dishes, showcased at establishments such as Patria and Tarpy's Roadhouse. Both cities cater to health-conscious diners, but Salinas, with its farm-to-table offerings, ranks slightly higher in vegan options and general health conscientiousness. Regardless of your dietary preferences, both Virginia Beach and Salinas offer unique and flavorful dining experiences that cater to a wide variety of tastes.

Virginia Beach vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison

Finding a great place to eat plays a crucial role in making a new area feel like home. This restaurant comparison from Virginia Beach, VA, to Salinas, CA, will guide you in discovering your next go-to eateries, connecting memories from your current locale to your future surroundings.

Virginia BeachSalinasWhat You'll Love
Blue Seafood & SpiritsMonterey Fish HouseOffers fresh, quality seafood in a cozy, casual environment similar to Blue Seafood & Spirits.
Tautog's RestaurantFish House Bar & GrillKnown for its classic ambiance and a diverse seafood menu, providing a comparable dining experience.
Steinhilber's RestaurantPatriaWhile Patria isn't a seafood spot, its focus on quality, fine dining in an elegant setting offers a similar upscale dining experience.
Pelon's Baja GrillLa Casa Del SazonPopular for its authentic Mexican cuisine, capturing the vibrant, laid-back vibe of Pelon's Baja Grill.
The Bee & The BiscuitFirst AwakeningsThough more known for its breakfast offerings, First Awakenings presents a charming, cozy vibe for morning dining, similar to The Bee & The Biscuit.
Citrus Breakfast and LunchBagel Bakery & CafeOffers a broad array of breakfast and lunch options with a casual, inviting atmosphere akin to Citrus.
Waterman's Surfside GrillePortobello's CuisineEmphasizes a welcoming, family-friendly environment with a focus on American cuisine, mirroring the experience at Waterman's Surfside Grille.
Le Yaca French RestaurantRouxCatering to lovers of French cuisine, Roux offers an intimate dining experience with meticulously prepared dishes reflective of Le Yaca’s offerings.
Dough Boy's California PizzaGino's Fine Italian FoodAlthough specializing in Italian rather than pizza, Gino's shares the family-friendly vibe and diverse menu similar to Dough Boy's.
Pocahontas Pancake HouseEllie’s Great American BreakfastKnown for its hearty American breakfasts, Ellie's fosters a similar atmosphere and menu variety as Pocahontas Pancake House.

For those moving from Virginia Beach to Salinas, discovering a new dining landscape is part of the adventure. Experience the cozy, casual dining of Monterey Fish House when you crave the familiar taste of Blue Seafood & Spirits' ocean fare. Or, let Patria offer you an evening of fine dining and sophistication akin to Steinhilber's Restaurant, enveloping you in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Should the morning find you yearning for a comforting breakfast reminiscent of The Bee & The Biscuit, First Awakenings welcomes you with open arms and delicious plates, ensuring that even in a new city, the flavors of home are never too far away.

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Ready to start your move?

Virginia Beach vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts

Before you make the leap from Virginia Beach, VA to Salinas, CA, it's essential to understand how their real estate landscapes differ. This comparison offers a snapshot of what you should expect in terms of housing costs, lifestyle, and much more, highlighting the distinct qualities of each city.

Virginia Beach
Salinas
Typical Architecture Style
Suburban Modern
Spanish Mission
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Beach Access, Large Yards
Close to Agriculture, Vibrant Communities

When comparing Virginia Beach and Salinas, the striking difference in housing costs stands out. In Salinas, you're looking at a significantly higher median home price and monthly rent, attributed, in part, to its proximity to the pricier Bay Area. Yet, Salinas exudes a vibrant urban lifestyle with its unique Spanish Mission architecture and strong community vibe, contrasting with Virginia Beach's more suburban modern style and emphasis on beach access and sizable yards. However, both cities present unique lifestyles, influenced greatly by their geography—Virginia Beach with its coastal charm, and Salinas with its rich agricultural backdrop.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salinas, CA

1. South Salinas: You'll find plenty of parks and open spaces, ideal for walking your dog and enjoying the outdoors together.

2. Creekbridge: This area boasts numerous greenbelts and walking paths perfect for exercising your pets while taking in the scenic views.

3. Monte Bella: Known for its pet-friendly amenities, this neighborhood offers convenient access to parks and pet services, making life easier for pet owners.

Virginia Beach vs. Salinas Weather Considerations

Moving to a new city means acclimatizing to new weather conditions. Understanding how the climate in Salinas, CA, contrasts with Virginia Beach, VA, is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison sheds light on what you should expect and how to prepare for your new home's weather.

Virginia Beach
Salinas
Days of Sunshine per Year
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Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
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Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, Floods
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

87°F / 70°F
75°F / 54°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

50°F / 32°F
62°F / 42°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

47
15
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

5
0


Weather in Salinas, CA, offers milder summers and warmer winters compared to Virginia Beach, VA, which could be a pleasant change for some. The significantly higher number of sunny days in Salinas might be appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it's essential to prepare for the different risks of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and wildfires, not common in Virginia Beach. Another notable difference is Salinas's lower annual rainfall and virtually nonexistent snowfall, which drastically changes the landscape and might affect your outdoor activities or gardening routine.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Virginia Beach to Salinas

When considering a move from one city to another, grasping the financial landscape is crucial. This comparison focuses on key economic factors that will influence your living expenses and quality of life. Specifically, for those moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Salinas, CA, understanding the differences in costs, taxes, and economic opportunities is vital to making an informed decision.

Virginia Beach
Salinas
Avg. Household Income
$81,634
$80,154
Cost of Living Index
96.6
136.4
State Income Tax
5.75
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.80
0.73
Avg. Sales Tax
6.0
8.75
Top 3 Industries
Defense, Tourism, Healthcare
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Mid-to-high
Mid
Poverty
Low
Higher than average
Homelessness
Low
Moderate to high

Moving from Virginia Beach to Salinas involves adjusting to a considerably higher cost of living, primarily driven by Salinas's elevated housing and living expenses. While the average household incomes don't differ drastically between the two, the impact of higher state income tax, sales tax, and overall cost of living in Salinas can significantly affect your financial health. Virginia Beach's economy is buoyed by defense and tourism, offering a relatively affluent lifestyle with low poverty and homelessness rates. In contrast, Salinas, with its roots in agriculture and manufacturing, faces challenges related to higher poverty and homelessness, reflective of its economic structure. Tailoring your budget for these differences will be key to a successful transition.

Virginia Beach vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Salinas, CA, it's beneficial to understand the communities you'll be integrating into. This comparison aims to provide a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Virginia Beach & Salinas , highlighting key differences that might influence your decision. Whether it's voting patterns or places of worship, these insights could help ease your transition.

Virginia Beach
Salinas
Political Make-up
Lean conservative
Lean liberal
Local Politics
Republican influence
Democratic influence
Religion
Christian-majority, diverse religious communities
Christian-majority, significant Catholic presence

Moving from Virginia Beach to Salinas, you'll notice a shift in the political landscape from a region with a conservative leaning to one that skews more liberal, reflecting in both voting patterns and local governance. This transition could mean different local policies and community priorities that may affect your daily life. Additionally, while both cities host diverse religious communities, Salinas has a notable Catholic presence, influenced by its larger Hispanic population. Navigating these differences in political and religious makeup will be an integral part of integrating into your new community in Salinas.

Virginia Beach vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

As you consider moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Salinas, CA, this comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Virginia Beach & Salinas will help you better understand what to expect in your daily commute and traffic experiences.

Virginia Beach
Salinas
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
24
23
Traffic Congestion
5 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
3 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
No
Yes

While both Virginia Beach and Salinas offer relatively brief average commute times, Salinas stands out for its better public transit system, making it more feasible to live without a personal vehicle compared to Virginia Beach. In Virginia Beach, the reliance on cars is significantly higher due to less availability of public transportation options. Traffic congestion in Virginia Beach, measured at a moderate level, is somewhat higher than in Salinas. This could be partly due to the larger reliance on personal vehicles in Virginia Beach. Transitioning from Virginia Beach to Salinas may require adjusting to a more public transit-friendly lifestyle, which can be a positive change for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint or seeking alternatives to driving.

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