Portland, ME to Norfolk, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Norfolk typically costs $2,800–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 675 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Norfolk
Moving from Portland, ME to Norfolk, VA typically costs $2,800–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 675-mile move from Portland to Norfolk, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $1,905 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,241 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,425 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Norfolk
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,000.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($600–$1,500) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Norfolk, VA to Portland, ME guide.
Best Portland to Norfolk movers by type
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Best professional movers from Portland to Norfolk
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Portland 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
How we chose the best ME→VA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 15 Maine 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 Portland to Norfolk
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Norfolk runs about 11% higher for singles and -8% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $2,769 in Norfolk versus $2,491 in Portland; families pay $5,552 compared with $6,060.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,925 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,500 | $2,492 |
| Average home value | $542,001 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,171 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,491 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,060 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.8% | 5.75% |
- If you're heading to Norfolk from Portland, you'll find that rent is roughly 25% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 48% less in Norfolk than in Portland.
- Fortunately, the average income in Norfolk and Portland is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 11% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Norfolk can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8% less than in Portland.
- In Norfolk, the unemployment rate is approximately 40% higher than in Portland, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 9% in Norfolk over Portland, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are on par between Virginia and Maine, within a 5% range, providing a predictable deduction from your income as you change locations.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Portland and Norfolk:
| Living Expense | Portland | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $203.15 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.88 | $49.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.62 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Norfolk.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Portland than in Norfolk.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships cost more in Portland than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Portland vs. Norfolk
| Portland | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,408 | 238,005 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 68 | 47 |
| Crime index | 32.16 | 58.1 |
| Safety index | 67.84 | 41.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk's population is about 248% greater than Portland.
- Norfolk's public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
- Norfolk is less walkable than Portland with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
- Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
- Norfolk's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 58.1 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
- Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 41.9 vs Portland's 67.84.
- Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland 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 Portland to Norfolk?
The best time to move from Portland to Norfolk is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Norfolk?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Portland 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 Portland to Norfolk take?
Moving from Portland, ME to Norfolk, VA covers 675 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Portland 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 Portland?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 9 movers in Portland advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Portland provide antique moving services. State totals show 13 piano movers and 7 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.