Norfolk to Arlington Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
The cost to move from Norfolk to Arlington, VA is $270–$6,161 for the ~197-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as Coleman Worldwide Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 59 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $89/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.
July availability is going fast in Norfolk
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20–30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Norfolk to Arlington?
At 197 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Virginia companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.5/5) as the top local pick, followed by All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.48/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 197-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Coleman Worldwide Moving | $1,599–$4,527 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,298–$2,326 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $284–$530 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $89/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 102+ Virginia movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk to Arlington?
Expect to spend between $270 and $6,161 on a Norfolk to Arlington move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 197-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $912–$6,161
- Moving containers: $998–$2,754
- Rental trucks: $270–$674
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 197 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $912–$3,877 | $998–$1,733 | $270–$453 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,599–$4,527 | $1,298–$2,326 | $284–$530 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,264–$6,161 | $1,570–$2,754 | $364–$674 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 102+ Virginia moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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 Norfolk, VA movers.
What extra fees should you expect on a Norfolk to Arlington move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Norfolk to Arlington move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $89/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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 Norfolk to Arlington
At 197 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Virginia movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. Coleman Worldwide Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 59 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Virginia specialize in intrastate logistics, Virginia regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 197 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 21 Norfolk movers drawing on 4,112 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- Coleman Worldwide Moving at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 59 verified reviews. 37.3% of customers rate them positively.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 268 verified reviews. 73.9% of customers rate them positively.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 258 verified reviews. 79.8% of customers rate them positively.
- Apple Moving at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 275 verified reviews. 56.4% of customers rate them positively.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving at 4.42 out of 5 stars across 325 verified reviews. 81.2% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's 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.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More popular routes from Norfolk, VA
Norfolk residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Virginia moving resources
What to know about moving from Norfolk to Arlington
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because Norfolk and Arlington are both in Virginia, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Virginia law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Virginia movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Virginia intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Virginia, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Virginia intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 197 miles, most Norfolk-to-Arlington moves complete in 1–2 days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in Norfolk and Arlington commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Virginia summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Virginia expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a Norfolk to Arlington move:
- Verify your mover holds Virginia intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington to Norfolk guide.
How does Arlington compare to Norfolk?
Cost of living: Norfolk vs. Arlington
A cost-of-living comparison between Norfolk and Arlington covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Arlington compares to Norfolk.
Check out how the 2 cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Norfolk | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $270,567 | $866,334 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,017 | $140,160 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,769 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,552 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 4.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Norfolk and Arlington comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 102+ Virginia cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Arlington are 81% higher than in Norfolk. Renters typically offset this by moving farther from the city center or accepting a smaller unit.
- Home prices in Arlington are 220% higher than Norfolk. Buyers may need to downsize, extend the loan term, or wait longer to build equity.
- Salaries in Arlington average 119% higher than Norfolk. Use local salary data, not Norfolk comps, when benchmarking offers.
- Cost of living for one person is 148% higher in Arlington than Norfolk. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Arlington is 116% higher than Norfolk. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Arlington is 45% lower than Norfolk. The labor market favors workers, which translates to better offers for incoming candidates.
- Sales taxes in Arlington and Norfolk match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Norfolk, you'd need about $7,440 in Arlington.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Arlington
A comparison of life in Norfolk and Arlington covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Norfolk | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 238,643 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 72-26 | Democratic 81-17 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 27ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 43" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 15" |
| Crime index | 58.1 | 15.67 |
- Population is similar across Arlington and Norfolk. The differences worth weighing are economic and cultural, not demographic.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Norfolk and Arlington leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Arlington (88°F) and Norfolk (88°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows in Arlington reach 27°F, vs. 33°F in Norfolk. Expect a colder season with a corresponding utility bill increase.
- Annual rainfall levels match in Norfolk (47 inches) and Arlington (43 inches). Outdoor planning carries over.
- Annual snowfall in Arlington is 15 inches, higher than Norfolk's 5 inches. Add snow tires, gear, and plowing services to the relocation budget.
- Crime index in Arlington (15.67) is lower than Norfolk (58.1). The lower-risk profile expands feasible neighborhoods and reduces insurance carry.
Things to do in Arlington
Arlington's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Arlington
- JW Tumbles
- Ball-Sellers House Museum
- David M. Brown Planetarium
- Arlington Historical Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
Parks in Arlington
- Gravelly Point Park
- Long Bridge Park
- Bon Air Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sports teams in Arlington
- Arlington Youth Football Club
Universities in Arlington
- Marymount University
Final verdict: best movers from Norfolk to Arlington
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Norfolk to Arlington, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Virginia service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, Coleman Worldwide Moving (4.5 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 37.3% positive reviews across 59 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $270–$6,161 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 102+ Virginia movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Norfolk to Arlington
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Norfolk to Arlington?
A move from Norfolk to Arlington with a professional moving company costs $860–$3,210 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,599 up to $4,527. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $2,264–$6,161 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Norfolk to Arlington?
Moving containers from Norfolk to Arlington cost $705–$1,687 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,298–$2,326. A larger home costs $1,570–$2,754.
How much is a moving truck from Norfolk to Arlington?
A rental moving truck from Norfolk to Arlington costs $275–$476 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $284–$530, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $364 and $674.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Norfolk-to-Arlington movers?
Lock in your movers for a Norfolk to Arlington move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time. Since this is an intrastate Virginia move, delivery windows are tight. Same-day or next-day delivery is realistic if you book early.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Arlington?
The best deals on a move to Arlington fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
Is moving from Norfolk to Arlington considered a long-distance move?
A move from Norfolk to Arlington is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Virginia, so Virginia law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 197 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Virginia intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from Norfolk to Arlington take?
Most moves from Norfolk to Arlington take 1–2 days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 197 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
