Raleigh, NC to Norfolk, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Raleigh to Norfolk typically costs $1,500–$4,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 184 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Raleigh to Norfolk

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Norfolk, VA typically costs $1,500–$4,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 184-mile move from Raleigh to Norfolk, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $800 - $3,300
  • Moving Container $900 - $1,500
  • Rental Truck $200 - $400
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $1,500 - $4,300
  • Moving Container $1,100 - $2,100
  • Rental Truck $300 - $500
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $1,900 - $5,500
  • Moving Container $1,500 - $2,500
  • Rental Truck $300 - $500

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,851 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
  • Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $178 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
  • 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $983 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
North American Van Lines
Coats, NC Virginia Beach, VA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 18, 2026
Budget Truck Rental
Godwin, NC Suffolk, VA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Feb 03, 2026
1-800-Pack-Rat
Angier, NC Wakefield, VA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Jan 06, 2026
AB Moving
Zebulon, NC Smithfield, VA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 28, 2025
Joyce Van Lines
Selma, NC Newport News, VA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 28, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Dunn, NC Eastville, VA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Dec 18, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Holly Springs, NC Ivor, VA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 13, 2025
American Van Lines
Youngsville, NC Windsor, VA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Dec 12, 2025
PODS
Stem, NC Williamsburg, VA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 02, 2025
Roadway Moving
Wilson's Mills, NC Cheriton, VA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 01, 2025

Key factors that impact the cost of your Raleigh to Norfolk move

Your total cost will depend on:

  • Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $800 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,500 for a four-bedroom.
  • The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Raleigh.
  • DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $200 to $500, but require more effort than hiring movers.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Norfolk, VA to Raleigh, NC guide.

Best Raleigh to Norfolk movers by type

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Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
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Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Raleigh to Norfolk

Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Raleigh to Norfolk much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best NC→VA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 115 North Carolina movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
  • Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
  • Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Norfolk

Many movers find Norfolk easier on the wallet than Raleigh - roughly 54% less for singles and 9% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,769 for one person in Norfolk versus $6,077 in Raleigh. For a family of four, it's $5,552 compared with $6,077.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

Raleigh Norfolk
Average 1 BR rent $1,820 $1,875
Average 3 BR rent $3,000 $2,492
Average home value $431,795 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $63,484
Cost of living (single) $6,077 $2,769
Cost of living (family of four) $6,077 $5,552
Unemployment rate 4.3% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.25% 6.0%
State income tax 4.5% 5.75%
  • When relocating from Raleigh to Norfolk, expect to find rent about 10% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
  • You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 34% more affordable in Norfolk compared to Raleigh.
  • Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 2368% higher in Norfolk compared to Raleigh, which might allow for more savings or investments.
  • You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Norfolk, as the cost of living for a single person is 54% lower compared to Raleigh.
  • A move to Norfolk can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 9% less than what it costs in Raleigh.
  • Norfolk shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Raleigh by around 70%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
  • Sales taxes are 17% less in Norfolk relative to Raleigh. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
  • Income taxes in Virginia are 28% above those in North Carolina. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Raleigh and Norfolk:

Living Expense Raleigh Norfolk
Basic utilities $190.88 $190.88
Cell phone plan $64.40 $49.33
Dozen eggs $4.71 $4.71
Loaf of bread $4.12 $4.12
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $19.50 $18.25
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $75.00 $75.00
Gym membership $40.18 $40.00
  • Basic utilities are priced about the same in Raleigh and Norfolk.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Norfolk.
  • Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
  • Bread costs are about the same in both places.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Norfolk.
  • The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Raleigh than in Norfolk.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Norfolk

Raleigh Norfolk
Population 467,665 238,005
Transportation score 4 6
Walkability score 31 46
Bike friendliness score 39 47
Crime index 38.87 58.1
Safety index 60.13 41.9
Air quality Moderate Good
  • Norfolk's population is about 49% less than Raleigh.
  • Norfolk's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh's score of 4.
  • Norfolk is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 47 out of 100, Norfolk is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, 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 Raleigh with a score of 58.1 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 41.9 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
  • Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Raleigh it's Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Norfolk move

  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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: Virginia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
  • Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Norfolk. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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

Planning your move to Norfolk? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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

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, and MacArthur Memorial.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team 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 Raleigh to Norfolk?

Planning your move from Raleigh to Norfolk? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Raleigh.

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Norfolk?

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Norfolk in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Raleigh to Norfolk take?

The 184-mile journey from Raleigh, NC to Norfolk, VA, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Raleigh offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Norfolk.

Are there special savings available from movers in Raleigh?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Raleigh?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Raleigh, 19 movers can manage piano relocations. 7 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.