Arlington to Norfolk Movers & Costs (2026)

The cost to move from Arlington to Norfolk, VA (~191 miles) typically ranges from $213 to $4,634.

Local movers such as 495 Movers, Inc, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 1,128 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $110/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.

Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.

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What are the best ways to move from Arlington to Norfolk?

Did you know: Intrastate moves like Arlington to Norfolk are regulated by Virginia law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Virginia intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.

This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Virginia companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.

For full-service moves, we recommend 495 Movers, Inc (4.76/5) as the top local pick, followed by BoxStar Movers (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.

Here's a closer look at each moving option:

Move type Top pick Avg. cost Best for Downside
Full-service 495 Movers, Inc $1,289 - $3,725 Hands-off moves (no heavy lifting or driving) Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $938 - $1,820 (approx. 30% less than full-service) Moving on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $238 - $463 (approx. 60% less than full-service) Minimizing upfront costs You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving $110/hr Loading help when you already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Did you know: Most Arlington to Norfolk moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.

Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 304+ Virginia movers reviewed.

How much does it cost to move from Arlington to Norfolk?

The cost to move from Arlington to Norfolk ranges from $213 to $4,634*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.

Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:

  • Full-service movers: $766 - $4,634
  • Moving containers: $758 - $2,336
  • Rental trucks: $213 - $527

What drives the cost difference?

  • Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
  • Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
  • Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
  • Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $766 - $2,854 $758 - $1,343 $213 - $354
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,289 - $3,725 $938 - $1,820 $238 - $463
4+ bedrooms $1,704 - $4,634 $1,317 - $2,336 $294 - $527

*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 304+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of November 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

Learn more about the cost of Arlington, VA movers.

How Arlington to Norfolk moving costs break down

It'll cost you about $110 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,320.

Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Professional packing $0.15 - $0.21 per lb.
15% of Arlington movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally
Full-service movers
Fuel surcharge $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) Full-service movers
Shuttle service $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) Full-service movers
Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) $75 - $500+ Full-service movers
Storage-in-transit ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) Full-service movers
Bulky-item handling $150 - $400 per item
8% of Arlington movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: Olympia Moving & Storage
Full-service movers
Equipment rental $50 - $200 Rental trucks
Contents coverage plan 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings All move types

Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.

Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.

Best movers from Arlington to Norfolk

Moving from Arlington to Norfolk is a job for local and regional Virginia movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. 495 Movers, Inc leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 1,128 verified customer reviews.

Best local & regional movers from Arlington to Norfolk

Local movers operating within Virginia know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.76 / 5
  • Years in Business: 17
  • 90% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 5
  • 99% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 20
  • 95% positive reviews
  • BBB: A+

Our top local picks:

  1. 495 Movers, Inc (4.76/5 stars): 89.5% positive customer ratings.
  2. BoxStar Movers (4.5/5 stars): 99.1% positive customer ratings.
  3. Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.62/5 stars): 94.6% positive customer ratings.
  4. Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): 91.1% positive customer ratings.
  5. Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport (4.62/5 stars): 85.6% positive customer ratings.

We evaluated 314 movers in Arlington, drawing on 77,483 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.

Best national carriers from Arlington to Norfolk

Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.

Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
Mover Certified by moveBuddha
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our top national picks:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
  3. North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
  4. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
  5. International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.

More popular routes from Arlington, VA

Arlington residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.

How does Norfolk compare to Arlington?

Cost of living: Arlington vs. Norfolk

A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.

Arlington Norfolk
Average rent cost $2,718 $1,500
Average home cost $866,334 $270,567
Average income (per capita) $140,160 $64,017
Cost of living (single person) $6,867 $2,769
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,970 $5,552
Unemployment rate 4.0% 7.3%
Average sales tax 6.0% 6.0%

Cost-of-living data for Arlington and Norfolk comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 304+ Virginia moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.

  • Rent prices in Norfolk are 45% lower than in Arlington. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
  • Home prices in Norfolk are 69% lower than Arlington. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
  • Average income in Norfolk is 54% lower than Arlington. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
  • Cost of living for one person in Norfolk is 60% lower than Arlington. The savings typically free up 60% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in Norfolk is 54% lower than Arlington. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
  • Unemployment in Norfolk runs 83% higher than Arlington. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
  • Sales taxes in Norfolk and Arlington match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,200 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Arlington.

How life is different in Arlington vs. Norfolk

Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Norfolk might look different from Arlington in ways that matter more once you've settled in.

Arlington Norfolk
Population238,643238,005
Political leaningDemocratic 81-17Democratic 72-26
Summer high88ºF88ºF
Winter low27ºF33ºF
Annual rain43"47"
Annual snow15"5"
Crime index15.6758.1

Did you know: Summer moves in Virginia can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 31% of movers in Virginia, vs 23% nationally).

  • Norfolk has a similar population to Arlington. Cost of living, job market depth, and cultural breadth, not headcount, will define the move experience.
  • In the last presidential election, both Arlington and Norfolk voted Democratic.
  • Summer highs in Norfolk (88°F) match Arlington (88°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
  • Winter lows in Arlington drop to 27°F, colder than Norfolk's 33°F. Expect milder winters and lower heating costs after the move.
  • Annual rainfall in Arlington (43 inches) and Norfolk (47 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
  • Annual snowfall in Arlington is 15 inches, vs. 5 inches in Norfolk. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
  • Crime index in Norfolk (58.1) is higher than Arlington (15.67). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.

Things to do in Norfolk

Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Norfolk's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.

Museums in Norfolk

  • Hampton Roads Naval Museum
  • Chrysler Museum of Art
  • Nauticus
  • MacArthur Memorial
  • Hermitage Museum and Gardens

Parks in Norfolk

  • Norfolk Botanical Garden
  • Pagoda & Oriental Garden
  • Town Point Park
  • Lake Drummond
  • Ocean View Beach Park

Sports teams in Norfolk

  • Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA))
  • Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey)
  • Old Dominion University (Football)
  • Old Dominion University (Basketball)
  • Norfolk State University (Football)

Universities in Norfolk

  • Old Dominion University
  • Norfolk State University
  • Tidewater Community College
  • ECPI University
  • Thomas Nelson Community College

Final verdict: Arlington to Norfolk movers

Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service. For smaller moves, 495 Movers, Inc (4.76/5) is the top local choice, with 89.5% positive reviews across 1,128 ratings.

Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $213 - $4,634, based on our analysis of 304+ Virginia movers and 12 years of pricing data.

FAQs about moving from Arlington to Norfolk

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Arlington to Norfolk?

A full-service move from Arlington to Norfolk costs $680 - $2,488 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,289 - $3,725, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,704 - $4,634.

Do movers in Virginia offer storage?

67% of movers in Virginia offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.

How many movers in Arlington offer labor-only help?

28% of movers in Arlington offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 29% nationally.

What percentage of Arlington movers handle piano or antique moves?

About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.

How long does a move from Arlington to Norfolk take?

Most moves from Arlington to Norfolk take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.