Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Philadelphia to Norfolk typically costs $1,700–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 276 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA typically costs $1,700–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 276-mile move from Philadelphia to Norfolk, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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 $3,142 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,405 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $1,523 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Mar 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 23, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Norfolk
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,100, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,800.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($400–$900) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Norfolk, VA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Best Philadelphia to Norfolk movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Philadelphia to Norfolk
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Philadelphia 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 PA→VA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 107 Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia to Norfolk
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Norfolk runs about 9% higher for singles and -10% higher for families than Philadelphia.
Singles spend around $2,769 in Norfolk versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $5,552 compared with $6,190.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Philadelphia | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $2,492 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 5.75% |
- If you're heading to Norfolk from Philadelphia, you'll find that rent is roughly 12% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 31% greater in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 10% lower in Norfolk compared to Philadelphia.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 9% higher than in Philadelphia. 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 10% less than in Philadelphia.
- Norfolk enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 31% lower compared to Philadelphia, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 25% in Norfolk compared to Philadelphia, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 87% higher in Virginia than in Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia and Norfolk:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $49.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.25 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Norfolk
| Philadelphia | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 238,005 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 46 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 47 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 58.1 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 41.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk's population is about 85% less than Philadelphia.
- Norfolk's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
- Norfolk is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 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 Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Norfolk's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 58.1 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
- Norfolk is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 41.9 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
- Air quality in Norfolk is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Norfolk?
The best time to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Norfolk?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Norfolk take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA covers 276 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.
Which movers in Philadelphia give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Philadelphia?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 53 movers in Philadelphia advertise piano moving expertise. 41 movers in Philadelphia provide antique moving services. State totals show 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
