Moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk, VA
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Quick answer: Moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk costs between $39 to $3,612 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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Virginia Beach to driving and unloading in Norfolk, 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 | $733 - $2,523 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $376 - $1,110 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $51 - $126 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $97/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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
It costs between $39 to $3,612 to move from Virginia Beach to Norfolk. The prices below break down your 18-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $443 - $3,612
- Moving containers: $127 - $1,612
- Rental trucks: $39 - $157
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $443 - $1,244 | $127 - $806 | $39 - $94 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $733 - $2,523 | $376 - $1,110 | $51 - $126 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,264 - $3,612 | $816 - $1,612 | $64 - $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 | $315 - $2,625+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $97/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $210 - $840 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $210 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Virginia Beach to Norfolk
At 18 miles, your Virginia Beach to Norfolk 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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk. 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 Virginia Beach to Norfolk. 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 Norfolk to Virginia Beach guide.
Considerations when moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk
Cost of living: Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk
The cost of living in Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Norfolk stacks up against Virginia Beach.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Virginia Beach | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $366,324 | $270,567 |
| Average income (per capita) | $90,685 | $64,017 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 7.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent in Norfolk is roughly 23% less expensive than in Virginia Beach. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Norfolk are 26% lower than in Virginia Beach, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Norfolk is 29% lower than in Virginia Beach. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 39% lower than in Virginia Beach. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 6% lower in Norfolk than in Virginia Beach. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Norfolk is 52% higher than in Virginia Beach. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Virginia Beach, expect to budget around $1,830 to maintain the same lifestyle in Norfolk.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk
As you plan your move, comparing life in Virginia Beach vs. Norfolk 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 Virginia Beach and Norfolk to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Virginia Beach | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,672 | 238,005 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 72-26 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 32ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 5" |
| Crime index | 42.0 | 58.1 |
Norfolk sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Norfolk is about 48% less populated than Virginia Beach. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Virginia Beach and Norfolk siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Norfolk and Virginia Beach are nearly identical, with averages around 88°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Virginia Beach and Norfolk experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 32°F and 33°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Virginia Beach to Norfolk. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 47 inches in Virginia Beach and 47 inches in Norfolk.
- Both Virginia Beach and Norfolk receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Virginia Beach averaging 6 inches and Norfolk seeing 5 inches.
- Crime rates are higher in Norfolk, with an index of 58.1, compared to Virginia Beach at 42.0.
Things to do in Norfolk
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Norfolk has something for everyone.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
Moving your furniture from Virginia Beach to Norfolk with a professional moving company usually ranges from $330 to $1,132. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $733 and $2,523. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,264 to $3,612 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
If you’re moving from Virginia Beach to Norfolk and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $116 to $790. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $376 and $1,110. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $816 to $1,612.
How much is a moving truck from Virginia Beach to Norfolk?
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 $40 and $92. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $51 to $126. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Virginia Beach to Norfolk, rental prices generally fall between $64 and $157.
How far in advance should I book Virginia Beach-to-Norfolk movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Virginia Beach to Norfolk 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 Virginia Beach-to-Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
If you want to save money on your move to Norfolk, 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.
