Moving from Norfolk to Richmond, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Norfolk to Richmond costs between $107 to $4,214 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 99-mile route within Virginia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Norfolk to Richmond
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Norfolk to Richmond are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Norfolk to driving and unloading in Richmond, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 99 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,178 - $3,638 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $918 - $1,706 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $115 - $212 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Tidal Town Moving | $89/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk to Richmond?
It costs between $107 to $4,214 to move from Norfolk to Richmond. The prices below break down your 99-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $620 - $4,214
- Moving containers: $720 - $2,044
- Rental trucks: $107 - $217
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $620 - $2,994 | $720 - $1,229 | $107 - $165 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,178 - $3,638 | $918 - $1,706 | $115 - $212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,656 - $4,214 | $1,260 - $2,044 | $134 - $217 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $89/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Norfolk to Richmond
At 99 miles, your Norfolk to Richmond move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Norfolk to Richmond. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 99 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Tidal Town Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Norfolk to Richmond. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 93.7% of their 255 verified reviews are positive.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Richmond to Norfolk guide.
Considerations when moving from Norfolk to Richmond
Cost of living: Norfolk vs. Richmond
When comparing the cost of living between Norfolk and Richmond, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Richmond stacks up against Norfolk.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Norfolk | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,595 |
| Average home cost | $270,567 | $327,959 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,017 | $62,671 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,769 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,552 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Richmond are 6% higher than in Norfolk. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Richmond are 21% higher than in Norfolk, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- You’ll find that income levels in Norfolk and Richmond are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Cost of living for one person in Richmond is 18% lower than in Norfolk. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- Your cost of living in Richmond will be roughly the same as it was in Norfolk, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Richmond matches that of Norfolk, suggesting you'll find a similar job market and employment opportunities in your new city as you have now.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Richmond and Norfolk, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,460 in Richmond to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Norfolk.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Richmond
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Richmond vs. Norfolk. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Norfolk | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 226,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 72-26 | Republican 49-48 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 11" |
| Crime index | 58.1 | 48.45 |
Richmond sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Norfolk to Richmond might seem easy since both cities are similar in size. But it’s smart to dig deeper—what truly separates these two places is the vibe, job market, layout, and living costs. Those are the differences you’ll really notice.
- In the last presidential election, Richmond leaned Republican, while Norfolk went Democratic.
- Both Richmond and Norfolk average summer highs close to 90°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Norfolk and Richmond experience similar winter lows, with Norfolk reaching 33°F and Richmond getting down to 28°F.
- Both Norfolk and Richmond see about the same yearly rainfall—Norfolk averages 47 inches, while Richmond gets 44 inches each year.
- On average, Richmond gets more snowfall than Norfolk, with 11 inches each year compared to Norfolk’s 5.
- Richmond is safer than Norfolk, boasting a lower crime index of 48.45 compared to Norfolk’s 58.1.
Things to do in Richmond
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Richmond has you covered.
Museums in Richmond
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- White House of the Confederacy
- Science Museum of Virginia
- Edgar Allan Poe Museum
- Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Parks in Richmond
- Belle Isle
- Libby Hill Park
- Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System)
- Capitol Square Park
- Rockwood Park
Sports teams in Richmond
- Richmond Kickers (USL League One)
- Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East)
Universities in Richmond
- University of Richmond
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Union University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Norfolk to Richmond?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Norfolk to Richmond, expect to pay between $561 and $2,435 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,178 and $3,638. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,656 up to $4,214 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Norfolk to Richmond?
If you’re moving from Norfolk to Richmond and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $464 and go up to $1,241. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $918 and $1,706. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,260 and $2,044.
How much is a moving truck from Norfolk to Richmond?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $115 to $170. A larger move will cost $115 to $212, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Norfolk to Richmond costs from $134 to $217.
How far in advance should I book Norfolk-to-Richmond movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Norfolk to Richmond at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Norfolk-to-Richmond movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Richmond?
To save money on your move to Richmond, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
