Norfolk, VA to Olympia, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

• As you consider relocating to Olympia, note that rent can be roughly 26% more expensive than it is in Norfolk; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 79% higher in Olympia than in Norfolk.
• The average income in Olympia and Norfolk is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Olympia, where the cost of living for a single person is 11% less than in Norfolk.
• You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Olympia and Norfolk, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you'll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
• Olympia experiences an unemployment rate that is about 23% lower than that of Norfolk. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 57% higher in Olympia than in Norfolk. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Olympia's population is about 77% less than Norfolk.
• Olympia's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Norfolk's score of 6.
• Olympia is less walkable than Norfolk with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Norfolk's 46 out of 100.
• With a score of 59 out of 100, Olympia 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.
• Olympia's crime rate is lower than Norfolk with a score of 27.95 compared to Norfolk's 58.1. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1%.
• Olympia is considered to be safer than Norfolk with a safety index of 62.25 vs Norfolk's 41.9.
• Air quality in Olympia is Good, and in Norfolk it's Good.

• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Washington doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Olympia smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• South Capitol
• Downtown
• Bigelow Highlands
• Upper Eastside
• Eastside
• North East
• Bigelow
• South Westside
• Woodfield Estates
• Wellington West

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bigelow Highlands
• Holiday Hills
• Woodfield Estates
• Eastside
• Cain Road
• Indian Creek
• Governor Stevens
• Bigelow
• Carlyon-North
• Wellington West

Things to do in Olympia

After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it's time to see what Olympia is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Olympia offers cultural landmarks like the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, and Bigelow House Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.