Des Moines, IA to Norfolk, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Norfolk typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,203 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Norfolk
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Norfolk, VA typically costs $3,200–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,203-mile move from Des Moines to Norfolk, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,235 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,263 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,328 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Jan 30, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 25, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 22, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Des Moines to Norfolk
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,600.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($900–$2,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Norfolk, VA to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Norfolk movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Norfolk
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Des Moines to Norfolk, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→VA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 37 Iowa moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Norfolk
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Norfolk runs about 46% higher for singles and 27% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,769 in Norfolk versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,552 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $2,492 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.75% |
- Rent is estimated to be 30% higher in Norfolk compared to Des Moines; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 48% greater in Norfolk than in Des Moines.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 9% higher in Norfolk than in Des Moines, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 46% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Norfolk, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 27% greater than in Des Moines.
- In Norfolk, the unemployment rate is approximately 24% higher than in Des Moines, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 14% in Norfolk compared to Des Moines, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 31% higher in Virginia than in Iowa, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Des Moines and Norfolk:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $49.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Norfolk
| Des Moines | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 238,005 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 58.1 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 41.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk's population is about 66% less than Des Moines.
- Norfolk's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Norfolk and Des Moines are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Norfolk is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Norfolk's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 58.1 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 41.9 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Norfolk move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Virginia doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Norfolk. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Norfolk
Now that you've decided to make the move to Norfolk, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- Newtown
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
Once you're settled into your new home in Virginia, it's time to get out and discover what Norfolk has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Norfolk, such as the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, and MacArthur Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)Old Dominion University (Football)Old Dominion University (Basketball)Norfolk State University (Football)Norfolk State University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Norfolk?
The best time to move from Des Moines to Norfolk is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Norfolk?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Des Moines to Norfolk, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Norfolk take?
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Norfolk, VA covers 1,203 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Des Moines movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Des Moines?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Des Moines advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Des Moines provide antique moving services. State totals show 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
