Key factors that influence moving costs from Norfolk to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Norfolk movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Norfolk to Tucson might cost just $1,393 for a one-bedroom, but up to $12,443 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Norfolk, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,523 and $3,923, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Norfolk to Tucson

Moving from Norfolk to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Norfolk than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Norfolk compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Norfolk Tucson
Average rent cost $1,500 $1,295
Average home value $283,890 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $63,484 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $2,769 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,552 $6,043
Unemployment rate 7.3% 7.4%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.7%
State income tax 5.75% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 14% lower than in Norfolk, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
    Home prices in Tucson are 15.3% higher than in Norfolk.
  • Income in Tucson is 2.7% lower than in Norfolk, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 13.7% lower than in Norfolk. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Tucson, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 8.8% higher than in Norfolk.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 1.37% higher than in Norfolk.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tucson are 45.00% higher than in Norfolk.
  • One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.52% lower than in Norfolk.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,589.38 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Norfolk.

How life is different in Norfolk vs. Tucson

Tucson Norfolk
Population 542,629 238,005
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 43 46
Bike friendliness score 66 47
Crime Index 54.43 58.1
Safety Index 45.57 41.9
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tucson is about 128% greater than Norfolk, 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.
  • Getting around Tucson without a car might be more difficult than in Norfolk. Tucson has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Norfolk is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Youโ€™ll find Tucson to be about as walkable as Norfolk. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 43 and 46 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Norfolk in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tucson has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, while Norfolk is rated as 47 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tucson as Norfolk. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Tucson is generally as safe as Norfolk, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Tucson and Norfolk is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Norfolk vs. Tucson move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Arizona doesnโ€™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 Tucson 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. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Tucson

With your sights set on "Old Pueblo", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tucson.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Armory Park
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Old Fort Lowell
  • El Presidio
  • Sam Hughes

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Armory Park
  • Broadmoor-Broadway
  • Catalina Foothills
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Sam Hughes

Things to do in Tucson

Now that you've made the move to Arizona, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Tucson. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tucson, such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park โ€” 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 University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Tucson?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Norfolk to Tucson. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Norfolk.

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

Because spring and fall moves from Norfolk to Tucson are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Norfolk to Tucson take?

Covering 2,301 miles, the move from Norfolk, VA to Tucson, AZ typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Norfolk movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTucson can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources