Moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk costs $40–$3,648, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 18-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.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
Moving from Virginia Beach 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 18-mile move:
Moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk costs between $40 and $3,648, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 18-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $778–$2,449 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $407–$1,121 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $49–$118 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $97/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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
Movers typically charge between $40 and $3,648 for a Virginia Beach to Norfolk move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 18-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $452–$3,648
- Moving containers: $126–$1,628
- Rental trucks: $40–$155
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 18 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $452–$1,374 | $126–$847 | $40–$100 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $778–$2,449 | $407–$1,121 | $49–$118 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,251–$3,648 | $775–$1,628 | $63–$155 |
*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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a Virginia Beach to Norfolk move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but 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 | $97/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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Virginia Beach to Norfolk, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 18 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 Virginia Beach 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 18 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 Virginia Beach guide.
How does Norfolk compare to Virginia Beach?
Cost of living: Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk
Cost-of-living factors in Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Norfolk stacks up against Virginia Beach.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Virginia Beach | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $366,324 | $270,567 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,685 | $64,017 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Virginia Beach 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 23% lower than Virginia Beach. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
- Home prices in Norfolk are 26% lower than Virginia Beach. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Norfolk is 29% lower than Virginia Beach. Test the move's affordability by overlaying local salary ranges with local rent and home prices.
- Living expenses for one person in Norfolk are 39% lower than Virginia Beach. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Norfolk is 6% lower than Virginia Beach. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
- Unemployment in Norfolk is 52% higher than Virginia Beach. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3 to 6 month financial buffer.
- Sales taxes match in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The move is tax-neutral for retail purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Virginia Beach, expect to budget around $1,830 to maintain the same lifestyle in Norfolk.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk
A side-by-side comparison of life in Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Virginia Beach and Norfolk so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.
| Virginia Beach | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,672 | 238,005 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 72-26 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 5" |
| Crime index | 42.0 | 58.1 |
- Norfolk is 48% smaller in size than Virginia Beach. Lower housing costs and shorter commutes are the primary upside; specialized careers may have fewer local options.
- The last presidential election saw both Virginia Beach and Norfolk siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Norfolk (88°F) and Virginia Beach (88°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in Virginia Beach (32°F) match Norfolk (33°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in Virginia Beach and Norfolk is nearly identical, at 47 inches and 47 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in Virginia Beach (6 inches) and Norfolk (5 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Norfolk (58.1) runs higher than Virginia Beach (42.0). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
Things to do in Norfolk
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Norfolk. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Virginia Beach 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 $40–$3,648 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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
A full-service move from Virginia Beach to Norfolk ranges from $320 to $1,121 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $778–$2,449. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,251–$3,648 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
Moving containers from Virginia Beach to Norfolk break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $120 to $782. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $407 and $1,121. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $775 to $1,628.
How much is a moving truck from Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
A rental moving truck from Virginia Beach to Norfolk costs $37–$103 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $49–$118, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $63 and $155.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book Virginia Beach-to-Norfolk movers?
Ideally, book your move from Virginia Beach to Norfolk at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Virginia Beach-to-Norfolk movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Norfolk?
For the cheapest move to Norfolk, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
