Key factors that impact the cost of your Long Beach to Norfolk move
What to know before moving from Long Beach to Norfolk
Moving from Long Beach to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Long Beach, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Long Beach | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,075 | $1,500 |
Average home value | $835,800 | $283,890 |
Average income (per capita) | $78,995 | $63,484 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,681 | $2,769 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,051 | $5,552 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.3% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 28% lower than in Long Beach, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
Home prices in Norfolk are 66.0% lower than in Long Beach. - Income in Norfolk is 19.6% lower than in Long Beach, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Norfolk include CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Norfolk, since the cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 3.3% higher than in Long Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 8.2% lower than in Long Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 40.38% higher than in Long Beach.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the cityโs sales taxes in Norfolk are 41.46% lower than in Long Beach.
- One perk of moving to Norfolk is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.77% lower than in Long Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,098.47 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Long Beach.
How life is different in Long Beach vs. Norfolk
Norfolk | Long Beach | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,005 | 451,307 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 46 | 73 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 70 |
Crime Index | 58.1 | 58.58 |
Safety Index | 41.9 | 41.42 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 47% less than Long Beach.
- Getting around Norfolk without a car might be more difficult than in Long Beach. Norfolk has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Long Beach is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Norfolk neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Long Beach. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isnโt as walkable as Long Beach, which has a score of 73 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Norfolk, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Long Beach. While Long Beach has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, Norfolk earned a 47. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Norfolk as Long Beach. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- Norfolk is generally as safe as Long Beach, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Norfolk and Long Beach is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Long Beach vs. Norfolk move
- Weather: If you are considering a move to Norfolk, plan your move on the months of May, October and September as these are the most pleasant months in Norfolk, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Norfolk. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Norfolk
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Norfolk", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- North Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- Edgewater-Larchmont
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
Once youโre settled into your new home in Virginia, itโs time to get out and discover what Norfolk has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Norfolk features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Long Beach to Norfolk?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Long Beach to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Long Beach are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Long Beach to Norfolk?
With many people choosing to move from Long Beach to Norfolk in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Long Beach to Norfolk take?
Moving from Long Beach, CA to Norfolk, VA covers 2,720 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Long Beach movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.