Moving from Norfolk to Virginia Beach, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Norfolk to Virginia Beach costs between $39 to $3,688 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 18-mile route within Virginia take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Norfolk to Virginia Beach
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Norfolk to Virginia Beach are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Norfolk to driving and unloading in Virginia Beach, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 18 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $725 - $2,351 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $403 - $1,155 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $121 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Tidal Town Moving | $89/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Norfolk to Virginia Beach?
It costs between $39 to $3,688 to move from Norfolk to Virginia Beach. The prices below break down your 18-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $439 - $3,688
- Moving containers: $118 - $1,644
- Rental trucks: $39 - $157
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $439 - $1,308 | $118 - $797 | $39 - $102 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $725 - $2,351 | $403 - $1,155 | $49 - $121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,239 - $3,688 | $792 - $1,644 | $65 - $157 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $89/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Norfolk to Virginia Beach
At 18 miles, your Norfolk to Virginia Beach move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Norfolk to Virginia Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Virginia, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 18 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Tidal Town Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Norfolk to Virginia Beach. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 93.7% of their 255 verified reviews are positive.
More Virginia moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Virginia Beach to Norfolk guide.
Considerations when moving from Norfolk to Virginia Beach
Cost of living: Norfolk vs. Virginia Beach
The cost of living in Norfolk vs. Virginia Beach goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Virginia Beach stacks up against Norfolk.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Norfolk | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,950 |
| Average home cost | $270,567 | $366,324 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,017 | $90,685 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,769 | $4,533 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,552 | $5,910 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Virginia Beach are 30% higher than in Norfolk. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Virginia Beach are 35% higher than in Norfolk. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Virginia Beach, where the average salary is 42% higher than in Norfolk, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Virginia Beach is 64% higher than in Norfolk, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Virginia Beach? Get ready for living expenses to be about 6% higher than in Norfolk. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Virginia Beach is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Virginia Beach is 34% lower than in Norfolk, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are equal in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Norfolk, expect to budget around $4,920 to maintain the same lifestyle in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Virginia Beach
As you plan your move, comparing life in Norfolk vs. Virginia Beach is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Norfolk and Virginia Beach to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Norfolk | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 457,672 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 72-26 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 33ºF | 32ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 5" | 6" |
| Crime index | 58.1 | 42.0 |
Virginia Beach sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Virginia Beach is about 92% larger than Norfolk. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Norfolk and Virginia Beach siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Virginia Beach and Norfolk are nearly identical, with averages around 88°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Norfolk and Virginia Beach experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 33°F and 32°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Norfolk to Virginia Beach. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 47 inches in Norfolk and 47 inches in Virginia Beach.
- Both Norfolk and Virginia Beach receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Norfolk averaging 5 inches and Virginia Beach seeing 6 inches.
- Virginia Beach has a lower crime rate than Norfolk, with a crime index of 42.0 vs 58.1.
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Virginia Beach has something for everyone.
Museums in Virginia Beach
- Military Aviation Museum
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
- Ferry Plantation House
- Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Parks in Virginia Beach
- Neptune's Park
- Mount Trashmore Park
- Bayville Farms Park
- Great Neck Park
- Munden Point Park
Sports teams in Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two)
Universities in Virginia Beach
- Atlantic University
- Regent University
- Virginia Wesleyan University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Norfolk to Virginia Beach?
Moving your furniture from Norfolk to Virginia Beach with a professional moving company usually ranges from $323 to $1,132. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $725 and $2,351. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,239 to $3,688 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Norfolk to Virginia Beach?
If you’re moving from Norfolk to Virginia Beach and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $118 to $766. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $403 and $1,155. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $792 to $1,644.
How much is a moving truck from Norfolk to Virginia Beach?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $36 and $96. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $49 to $121. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Norfolk to Virginia Beach, rental prices generally fall between $65 and $157.
How far in advance should I book Norfolk-to-Virginia Beach movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Norfolk to Virginia Beach at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Norfolk-to-Virginia Beach movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Virginia Beach?
If you want to save money on your move to Virginia Beach, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
