Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Norfolktoggle

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Francisco to Norfolk can be as low as $1,616 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $15,328.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,860 to $5,165. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Norfolk

San Francisco Norfolk
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,500
Average home value $1,241,003 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $2,769
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $5,552
Unemployment rate 5.4% 7.3%
Sales tax 8.63% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 5.75%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Norfolk are 54% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices in Norfolk are 77.1% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Norfolk is 53.6% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 26.8% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 36.3% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 35.19% higher than in San Francisco.
  • Sales taxes in Norfolk are 30.48% lower than in San Francisco.
  • State income taxes in Norfolk are 56.77% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,197.04 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Norfolk

Norfolk San Francisco
Population 238,005 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 10
Walkability score 46 99
Bike friendliness score 47 99
Crime Index 58.1 61.41
Safety Index 41.9 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Norfolk's population is about 71% less than San Francisco.
  • Norfolk's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower score of 10.
  • Norfolk is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 46 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
  • Norfolk's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 58.1 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
  • Norfolk is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 41.9 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Norfolk is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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 singlestoggle

  • East Ghent
  • North Ghent
  • Ghent
  • Downtown
  • West Ghent
  • Newtown
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • West 21st Street
  • Colonial Place

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • North Ghent
  • Ghent
  • Virginia Beach
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • West Ghent
  • East Ghent

Things to do in Norfolktoggle

After settling into your new Virginia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Norfolk is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, Nauticus, MacArthur Memorial, and Hermitage Museum and Gardens.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Norfolk Botanical Garden, Pagoda & Oriental Garden, Town Point Park, and Lake Drummond โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Norfolk Tides (Baseball-International League (AAA)), Norfolk Admirals (Ice hockey), Old Dominion University (Football), or Old Dominion University (Basketball) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Norfolk?

The best time to move from San Francisco to Norfolk is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Norfolk?

Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Norfolk in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Francisco to Norfolk take?

The 2,971-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Norfolk, VA, takes seven to 21 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Norfolk.

Helpful moving resources

San Francisco moving services

Popular California routes

Popular moving resources