Norfolk, VA to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Norfolk to Philadelphia typically costs $1,600–$4,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 276 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Norfolk to Philadelphia
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Philadelphia, PA typically costs $1,600–$4,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 276-mile move from Norfolk to Philadelphia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,630 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,628 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $1,297 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 29, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Norfolk to Philadelphia
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,000, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Norfolk, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($300–$900) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to Norfolk, VA guide.
Best Norfolk to Philadelphia movers by type
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Best professional movers from Norfolk to Philadelphia
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Norfolk to Philadelphia, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best VA→PA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 103 Virginia moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Norfolk to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Philadelphia runs about -8% higher for singles and 11% higher for families than Norfolk.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Philadelphia versus $2,769 in Norfolk; families pay $6,190 compared with $5,552.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Norfolk | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,492 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $283,890 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,769 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,552 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 3.07% |
- Rent is estimated to be 13% higher in Philadelphia compared to Norfolk; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 24% less in Philadelphia than in Norfolk.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 11% higher in Philadelphia than in Norfolk, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Philadelphia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 8% lower than in Norfolk.
- When relocating to Philadelphia, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 11% greater than in Norfolk.
- In Philadelphia, the unemployment rate is approximately 45% higher than in Norfolk, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 33% in Philadelphia over Norfolk, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 47% less in Pennsylvania than in Virginia. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Norfolk and Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Norfolk | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.33 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.25 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Norfolk than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs cost more in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Norfolk than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Philadelphia
| Norfolk | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 67 |
| Crime index | 58.1 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 41.9 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 574% greater than Norfolk.
- Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Norfolk's score of 6.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Norfolk with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Norfolk's 46 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Norfolk, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Norfolk with a score of 66.09 compared to Norfolk's 58.1. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Norfolk with a score of 33.91 vs Norfolk's 41.9.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Norfolk it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Norfolk to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Philadelphia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Now that you've decided to make the move to Philly, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
Once you're settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, it's time to get out and discover what Philadelphia has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Philadelphia, such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Philadelphia?
The best time to move from Norfolk to Philadelphia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Norfolk.
When is the cheapest time to move from Norfolk to Philadelphia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Norfolk to Philadelphia, 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 Norfolk to Philadelphia take?
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Philadelphia, PA covers 276 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Norfolk movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.
Which movers in Norfolk give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Norfolk?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 18 movers in Norfolk advertise piano moving expertise. 10 movers in Norfolk provide antique moving services. State totals show 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
