($1,365) Movers From Chicago, IL to Norfolk, VA

What to know before moving from Chicago to Norfolk

Moving from Chicago to Norfolk means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Norfolk, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Norfolk so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Norfolk are 27% lower than in Chicago, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
  Home prices in Norfolk are 4.0% lower than in Chicago.
• Income in Norfolk is 11.3% lower than in Chicago, 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 24.1% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 40.1% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 18.89% lower than in Chicago.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city’s sales taxes in Norfolk are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Norfolk are 16.16% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,277.14 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Norfolk

• Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 91% less than Chicago.
• Getting around Norfolk without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Norfolk has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city’s 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 Chicago. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isn’t as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 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 won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Norfolk, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 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.
• The crime rate in Norfolk is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 58.1 in Norfolk, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Norfolk than in Chicago, based on Norfolk’s safety index of 41.9 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Norfolk and Chicago 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 Chicago 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.

Helpful moving resources