Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Atlanta to Norfolk move
What to know before moving from Atlanta to Norfolk
Moving from Atlanta to Norfolk means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Atlanta than in Norfolk, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Atlanta compares to Norfolk so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Atlanta | Norfolk | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,900 | $1,500 |
| Average home value | $388,167 | $283,890 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $63,484 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $2,769 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,822 | $5,552 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 7.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.9% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 21% lower than in Atlanta, 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 26.9% lower than in Atlanta. - Income in Norfolk is 4.0% lower than in Atlanta, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Norfolk include CMA CGM, Norfolk Southern Railway, and PRA Group.
- The cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 11.6% lower than in Atlanta. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 29.0% lower than in Atlanta.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 21.67% higher than in Atlanta.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the cityโs sales taxes in Norfolk are 32.58% lower than in Atlanta.
- State income taxes in Norfolk are 4.74% higher than in Atlanta.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,650.61 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Atlanta.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. Norfolk
| Norfolk | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,005 | 498,715 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 58.1 | 64.23 |
| Safety Index | 41.9 | 35.77 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 52% less than Atlanta.
- Getting around Norfolk without a car might be more difficult than in Atlanta. Norfolk has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Atlanta is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Norfolk to be about as walkable as Atlanta. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 46 and 48 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, Norfolk is considered more bike-friendly than Atlanta in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, while Atlanta is rated as 42 out of 100.
- Norfolk has a lower crime rate than Atlanta based on scores of 58.1 and Atlanta's 64.23, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Norfolk than in Atlanta, based on Norfolkโs safety index of 41.9 versus 35.77 for Atlanta. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Norfolk has better air quality than in Atlanta. Norfolk has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Atlanta. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Atlanta 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
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
After settling into your new Virginia home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Norfolk?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Atlanta to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Atlanta are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Atlanta to Norfolk?
With many people choosing to move from Atlanta 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 Atlanta to Norfolk take?
Moving from Atlanta, GA to Norfolk, VA covers 566 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Atlanta movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.
