Moving from Arlington to Norfolk, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Norfolk costs $249–$5,520, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 191-mile route within Virginia take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Arlington to Norfolk?
Moving from Arlington to Norfolk doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 191-mile move:
Moving from Arlington to Norfolk costs between $249 and $5,520, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 191-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,600–$4,712 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,213–$2,237 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $267–$525 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $110/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 103+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Norfolk?
Expect to spend between $249 and $5,520 on a Arlington to Norfolk move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 191-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $922–$5,520
- Moving containers: $960–$2,675
- Rental trucks: $249–$655
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 191 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $922–$3,766 | $960–$1,552 | $249–$435 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,600–$4,712 | $1,213–$2,237 | $267–$525 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,157–$5,520 | $1,525–$2,675 | $330–$655 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 103+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Arlington to Norfolk move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Arlington to Norfolk move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Arlington to Norfolk
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Arlington to Norfolk, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 191 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Arlington to Norfolk. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Virginia, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 191 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk to Arlington guide.
How does Norfolk compare to Arlington?
Cost of living: Arlington vs. Norfolk
A cost-of-living comparison between Arlington and Norfolk covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Norfolk compares to Arlington.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Arlington | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,718 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $866,334 | $270,567 |
| Average income (per capita) | $140,160 | $64,017 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,867 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,970 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Arlington and Norfolk comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 103+ Virginia cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Norfolk is 45% lower than Arlington. Apply the savings to a larger unit, a better neighborhood, or higher monthly savings.
- Home prices in Norfolk are 69% lower than Arlington. The discount accelerates timelines for first-time buyers and improves cash flow for trade-up moves.
- Average income in Norfolk is 54% lower than Arlington. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Norfolk runs 60% cheaper than Arlington. The savings rate compounds quickly if held constant.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Norfolk is 54% lower than Arlington. The discount typically lands on housing and childcare, the two largest line items.
- Unemployment in Norfolk is 83% higher than Arlington. Job security is less certain, especially in cyclical or layoff-prone industries.
- Sales taxes in Norfolk and Arlington match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Arlington, you'd need about $1,200 in Norfolk.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Norfolk
A comparison of life in Arlington and Norfolk covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Arlington | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 238,005 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-17 | Democratic 72-26 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 43" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 5" |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 58.1 |
- Population is similar across Norfolk and Arlington. The differences worth weighing are economic and cultural, not demographic.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Arlington and Norfolk leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Norfolk (88°F) and Arlington (88°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows in Arlington reach 27°F, colder than Norfolk's 33°F. Lower heating loads and milder winters are the practical upside.
- Annual rainfall levels match in Arlington (43 inches) and Norfolk (47 inches). Outdoor planning carries over.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington runs 15 inches, vs. 5 inches in Norfolk. Lower snow load shortens winter and reduces seasonal expense.
- Crime index in Norfolk (58.1) runs higher than Arlington (15.67). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in Norfolk
Norfolk's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Norfolk
- Hampton Roads Naval Museum
- Chrysler Museum of Art
- Nauticus
- MacArthur Memorial
- Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Parks in Norfolk
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Pagoda & Oriental Garden
- Town Point Park
- Lake Drummond
- Ocean View Beach Park
Sports teams in Norfolk
- Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))
- Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)
- Old Dominion University (Football)
- Old Dominion University (Basketball)
- Norfolk State University (Football)
Universities in Norfolk
- Old Dominion University
- Norfolk State University
- Tidewater Community College
- ECPI University
- Thomas Nelson Community College
Final verdict: best movers from Arlington to Norfolk
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Arlington to Norfolk, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $249–$5,520 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 103+ Virginia movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Arlington to Norfolk
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Arlington to Norfolk?
A move from Arlington to Norfolk with a professional moving company costs $819–$2,935 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,600 up to $4,712. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,157–$5,520 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Arlington to Norfolk?
Moving containers from Arlington to Norfolk cost $633–$1,607 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,213–$2,237. A larger home costs $1,525–$2,675.
How much is a moving truck from Arlington to Norfolk?
A rental moving truck from Arlington to Norfolk costs $265–$449 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $267–$525, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $330 and $655.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Arlington-to-Norfolk movers?
Lock in your movers for a Arlington to Norfolk move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Norfolk?
The best deals on a move to Norfolk fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
