Moving from Chesapeake to Norfolk, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Chesapeake to Norfolk costs $40–$3,686, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 6-mile route within Virginia take – 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.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads local picks at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 258 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Chesapeake to Norfolk?
Moving from Chesapeake 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) and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.52/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 6-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $801–$2,350 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $395–$1,201 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $51–$125 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $125/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 Chesapeake to Norfolk?
A move from Chesapeake to Norfolk runs $40 to $3,686, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 6-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $452–$3,686
- Moving containers: $131–$1,581
- Rental trucks: $40–$160
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 6 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $452–$1,347 | $131–$814 | $40–$100 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $801–$2,350 | $395–$1,201 | $51–$125 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,226–$3,686 | $857–$1,581 | $64–$160 |
*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 Chesapeake to Norfolk move?
Common extra fees on a Chesapeake to Norfolk move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
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 | $125/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 Chesapeake to Norfolk
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Chesapeake to Norfolk, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 258 verified customer reviews. At 6 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 Chesapeake 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 6 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.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from Chesapeake to Norfolk, earning 4.52 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has been in business since 2017 (9 years), with 79.8% of 258 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk to Chesapeake guide.
How does Norfolk compare to Chesapeake?
Cost of living: Chesapeake vs. Norfolk
The cost of living in Chesapeake vs. Norfolk goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Norfolk stacks up against Chesapeake.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chesapeake | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $359,218 | $270,567 |
| Average income (per capita) | $94,189 | $64,017 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,882 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,656 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 7.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Chesapeake 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 about 17% cheaper than Chesapeake. Renters often use the difference to upgrade location, size, or building amenities.
- Home prices in Norfolk are 25% lower than Chesapeake. Equity from a Chesapeake sale typically buys more square footage in Norfolk.
- Average income in Norfolk is 32% lower than Chesapeake. Confirm the move pencils out by checking whether housing and daily expenses drop by a similar margin.
- Living expenses for one person in Norfolk run 47% higher than Chesapeake. The gap typically lands on rent, groceries, and transportation.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 here runs 52% higher than Chesapeake. The premium is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or school selection.
- Unemployment in Norfolk runs 46% higher than Chesapeake. Time the move around a job offer rather than relocating speculatively.
- Sales taxes are equal in Norfolk and Chesapeake. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,410 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Norfolk
Life in Norfolk vs. Chesapeake differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Chesapeake | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,422 | 238,005 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 52-46 | Democratic 72-26 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 5" |
| Crime index | 25.0 | 58.1 |
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Norfolk matches Chesapeake in population. Pay closer attention to local industry mix and neighborhood-level differences when evaluating the move.
- In the last presidential election, both Chesapeake and Norfolk voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Norfolk (88°F) match Chesapeake (87°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Chesapeake (31°F) and Norfolk (33°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Chesapeake (47 inches) and Norfolk (47 inches) is similar. No adjustment to outdoor or commuting routines.
- Annual snowfall matches across Chesapeake (5 inches) and Norfolk (5 inches). Plowing, gear, and winter driving expectations carry over.
- Crime index in Norfolk (58.1) is higher than Chesapeake (25.0). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Norfolk
Norfolk balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
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 Chesapeake to Norfolk
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Chesapeake 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 smaller homes and apartment moves, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.52 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 79.8% positive reviews across 258 verified customer reviews.
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 $40–$3,686 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 Chesapeake to Norfolk
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chesapeake to Norfolk?
A professional moving company from Chesapeake to Norfolk charges $323–$1,076 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $801–$2,350. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $1,226–$3,686.
How much are moving container companies from Chesapeake to Norfolk?
Moving containers from Chesapeake to Norfolk typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $123 and go up to $830. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $395 and $1,201. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $857–$1,581.
How much is a moving truck from Chesapeake to Norfolk?
A rental moving truck from Chesapeake to Norfolk costs $41–$100 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $51–$125, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $64–$160.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book Chesapeake-to-Norfolk movers?
Book your move from Chesapeake to Norfolk at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your Chesapeake-to-Norfolk movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Norfolk?
The cheapest time to move to Norfolk is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
