Quick answer: A move from Charleston to Norfolk costs $437–$5,082 and takes one to four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 437-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Norfolk to Charleston guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 4 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Charleston, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Charleston mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Charleston, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from Charleston to Norfolk
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Charleston to Norfolk, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Charleston to Norfolk with less stress and more peace of mind.
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 Charleston?
How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to VA move
The top local movers servicing Charleston to Norfolk moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Norfolk. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Charleston to Norfolk.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
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
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
State license #: 149-D
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 2021301
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
Charleston movers charge $134 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 | $1,151 - $3,365 | $697 - $1,813 | $405 - $817 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,113 - $5,082 | $1,339 - $2,421 | $437 - $969 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,330 - $7,813 | $1,831 - $3,390 | $566 - $1,098 |
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Virginia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Virginia will cost between $1,151 and $3,365. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to VA will range from $2,113 to $5,082, and a large move from South Carolina to Virginia will cost from $3,330 to $7,813.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Virginia
When you're heading from South Carolina to Virginia, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $697 and $1,813. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,339 and $2,421. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,831 to $3,390. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Virginia
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $405 and $817. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $437 to $969. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $566 and $1,098.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Norfolk
What to know before moving from Charleston to Norfolk
Looking to trim monthly costs? Norfolk usually runs cheaper than Charleston — about 48% for singles and 30% for families.
Singles average $2,769 in Norfolk vs. $5,300 in Charleston; families see $5,552 vs. $7,890.
The breakdown below shows where those savings appear:
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 40% lower than in Charleston, 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 49.2% lower than in Charleston. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Norfolk, where incomes are, on average, 1.9% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Norfolk include CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Norfolk. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 47.8% lower than in Charleston.
- 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 29.6% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 82.50% higher than in Charleston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city's sales taxes in Norfolk are 33.33% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Norfolk is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.86% lower than in Charleston.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Norfolk:
Charleston | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $156.99 | $190.88 |
Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $49.33 |
Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.71 |
Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.12 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $18.25 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $75 |
Gym membership | $29.17 | $40 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Norfolk, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Norfolk.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Norfolk.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Norfolk
Norfolk | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,005 | 150,277 |
Transportation Score | 6 | 3 |
Walkability score | 46 | 40 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 50 |
Crime Index | 58.1 | 44.97 |
Safety Index | 41.9 | 55.03 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk's population is about 58% greater than Charleston.
- Norfolk's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
- Norfolk is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
- Both Norfolk and Charleston have the same bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, meaning Norfolk is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Norfolk's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.1 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 41.9 vs Charleston's 55.03.
- Air quality in Norfolk is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license 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: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- Downtown
- Newtown
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- 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: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Norfolk, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Charleston to Norfolk?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Norfolk. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Norfolk?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston 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 Charleston to Norfolk take?
Covering 437 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Norfolk, VA typically takes one to four days. Some Charleston 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 Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 32 piano movers and 17 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.