Quick answer: A typical 196-mile move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk runs $270–$4,054 and takes one to two days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Norfolk to Chapel Hill guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Chapel Hill, NC, to Norfolk, VA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Chapel Hill, there are 27 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Chapel Hill, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Chapel Hill you can trust with your Chapel Hill to Norfolk relocation.
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Best professional movers from Chapel Hill to Norfolk
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Chapel Hill to Norfolk without the headaches.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Chapel Hill?
How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to VA move
Local movers servicing Chapel Hill to Norfolk moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Chapel Hill that also provides long-distance services to Norfolk can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Chapel Hill who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Chapel Hill to Norfolk.
- Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2261
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 641
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 1170867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk?
Chapel Hill movers charge $95 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $809 - $2,904 | $632 - $1,512 | $232 - $418 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,361 - $4,054 | $1,163 - $2,021 | $270 - $499 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,029 - $5,141 | $1,479 - $2,725 | $327 - $562 |
Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to Virginia
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to Virginia typically costs between $809 and $2,904. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,361 and $4,054 when moving from NC to VA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from North Carolina to Virginia, you're looking at costs ranging from $2,029 up to $5,141.
Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to Virginia
Moving from North Carolina to Virginia? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $632 and $1,512. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,163 to $2,021. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,479 up to $2,725. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to Virginia
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $232 and $418. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $270 and $499. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $327 up to $562 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Chapel Hill to Norfolk
What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Norfolk
Norfolk typically comes with higher living costs — around 23% more for singles and 16% more for families than Chapel Hill.
Singles pay roughly $2,769 vs. $2,248; families average $5,552 vs. $4,790.
Check the breakdown below to see where the increases show up:
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 23% lower than in Chapel Hill, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
Home prices in Norfolk are 52.1% lower than in Chapel Hill. - Income in Norfolk is 3.3% lower than in Chapel Hill, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Norfolk — including CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 23.2% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 15.9% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 128.13% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city's sales taxes in Norfolk are 20.00% lower than in Chapel Hill.
- State income taxes in Norfolk are 27.78% higher than in Chapel Hill.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chapel Hill and Norfolk:
Chapel Hill | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $156.99 | $190.88 |
Cell phone plan | $55.25 | $49.33 |
Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $4.71 |
Loaf of bread | $4.04 | $4.12 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15 | $18.25 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $75 |
Gym membership | $42 | $40 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
- Bread costs less in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chapel Hill than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Norfolk
Norfolk | Chapel Hill | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,005 | 63,764 |
Transportation Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 46 | 34 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 50 |
Crime Index | 58.1 | 26.42 |
Safety Index | 41.9 | 73.58 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Norfolk is about 273% greater than Chapel Hill, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Norfolk will be about the same as it currently is in Chapel Hill. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Living in Norfolk means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chapel Hill. Norfolk is considered more walkable than Chapel Hill, with a score of 46 out of 100 versus 34 out of 100 in Chapel Hill. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- Norfolk and Chapel Hill are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 47 and 50 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Norfolk is higher than in Chapel Hill, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.1 in Norfolk, it is 26.42 in Chapel Hill. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Norfolk. With a crime index of 41.9, Norfolk ranks lower in overall safety than Chapel Hill, whose index is 73.58. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Norfolk has better air quality than in Chapel Hill. Norfolk has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Chapel Hill. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill vs. Norfolk move
- Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Virginia doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Norfolk without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Norfolk
Ready to relocate to Norfolk? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- Newtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
After settling into your new Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Norfolk features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chapel Hill.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Norfolk?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to Norfolk take?
Covering 196 miles, the move from Chapel Hill, NC to Norfolk, VA typically takes one to two days. Some Chapel Hill movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Norfolk can help bridge the gap.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chapel Hill?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 20 movers in Chapel Hill provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2176 and 1401.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.