Moving from Richmond to Norfolk, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Richmond to Norfolk costs between $109 to $4,388 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 92-mile route within Virginia take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Richmond to Norfolk
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Richmond to Norfolk are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Richmond to driving and unloading in Norfolk, 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 92 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,143 - $3,358 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $947 - $1,831 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $116 - $196 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Mr. Moving, LLC | $100/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 Richmond to Norfolk?
It costs between $109 to $4,388 to move from Richmond to Norfolk. The prices below break down your 92-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $607 - $4,388
- Moving containers: $750 - $2,237
- Rental trucks: $109 - $213
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $607 - $3,052 | $750 - $1,306 | $109 - $170 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,143 - $3,358 | $947 - $1,831 | $116 - $196 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,574 - $4,388 | $1,185 - $2,237 | $146 - $213 |
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 | $285 - $2,375+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $190 - $760 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $48 - $190 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Richmond to Norfolk
At 92 miles, your Richmond to Norfolk 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 Richmond to Norfolk. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 92 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Mr. Moving, LLC is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Richmond to Norfolk. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 87.3% of their 102 verified reviews are positive.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Norfolk to Richmond guide.
Considerations when moving from Richmond to Norfolk
Cost of living: Richmond vs. Norfolk
When comparing the cost of living between Richmond and Norfolk, 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 Norfolk stacks up against Richmond.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Richmond | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $327,959 | $270,567 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,671 | $64,017 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,270 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,336 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 7.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent in Norfolk is about 6% cheaper than in Richmond, so you’ll have more money to put toward savings, fun, or whatever you like.
- Home prices in Norfolk are 17% lower than in Richmond, making it easier for you to break into the housing market and land a more affordable mortgage and leaving you with extra money for other priorities.
- You’ll find that income levels in Richmond and Norfolk are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Living expenses for one person in Norfolk are 22% higher than in Richmond, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Your cost of living in Norfolk will be roughly the same as it was in Richmond, so your budget should stay on track after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk matches that of Richmond, 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 Norfolk and Richmond, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,660 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Richmond.
How life is different in Richmond vs. Norfolk
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Norfolk vs. Richmond. 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.
| Richmond | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 238,005 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 72-26 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 44" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 11" | 5" |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 58.1 |
Norfolk sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Moving from Richmond to Norfolk 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, Norfolk leaned Democratic, while Richmond went Republican.
- Both Norfolk and Richmond average summer highs close to 88°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Richmond and Norfolk experience similar winter lows, with Richmond reaching 28°F and Norfolk getting down to 33°F.
- Both Richmond and Norfolk see about the same yearly rainfall—Richmond averages 44 inches, while Norfolk gets 47 inches each year.
- Expect more snow in Richmond, where it averages 11 annually compared to Norfolk’s 5.
- Norfolk has a higher crime rate than Richmond, with a crime index of 58.1 vs 48.45.
Things to do in Norfolk
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Norfolk has you covered.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Richmond to Norfolk?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Richmond to Norfolk, expect to pay between $561 and $2,584 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,143 and $3,358. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,574 up to $4,388 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Richmond to Norfolk?
If you’re moving from Richmond to Norfolk and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $474 and go up to $1,291. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $947 and $1,831. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,185 and $2,237.
How much is a moving truck from Richmond to Norfolk?
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 $118 to $163. A larger move will cost $116 to $196, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Richmond to Norfolk costs from $146 to $213.
How far in advance should I book Richmond-to-Norfolk movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Richmond to Norfolk 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 Richmond-to-Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
To save money on your move to Norfolk, 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.
