Key factors that impact the cost of your Indianapolis to Norfolk movetoggle

The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Indianapolis to Norfolk (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,432, while larger moves may reach $8,137 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Indianapolis.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $592 to $1,589, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Norfolk

Moving from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis than in Norfolk, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Indianapolis Norfolk
Average rent cost $1,399 $1,500
Average home value $220,467 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $59,110 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $2,804 $2,769
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,667 $5,552
Unemployment rate 5.6% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.0%
State income tax 3.15% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Norfolk are 7% higher than in Indianapolis, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
    Home prices in Norfolk are 28.8% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Income in Norfolk is 7.4% higher than in Indianapolis, so you could earn more 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 1.2% lower than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 16.7% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 30.36% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Norfolk are 14.29% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • State income taxes in Norfolk are 82.54% higher than in Indianapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,962.55 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.

How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Norfolk

Norfolk Indianapolis
Population 238,005 887,642
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 46 31
Bike friendliness score 47 43
Crime Index 58.1 60.71
Safety Index 41.9 39.29
Air Quality Good Good
  • Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 73% less than Indianapolis.
  • Norfolk offers better access to buses and trains than Indianapolis, based on public transportation ratings. Norfolk has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Indianapolis. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Norfolk means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Indianapolis. Norfolk is considered more walkable than Indianapolis, with a score of 46 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Indianapolis. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Norfolk is considered more bike-friendly than Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis is rated as 43 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Norfolk as Indianapolis. 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 80โ€“100.
  • Norfolk is generally as safe as Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis 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
  • Downtown
  • West Ghent
  • Newtown
  • Colonial Place

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Norfolk

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Virginia, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Norfolk has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 Indianapolis to Norfolk?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Indianapolis to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Indianapolis are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Norfolk?

With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Norfolk take?

Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Norfolk, VA covers 724 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Indianapolis movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.

Helpful moving resources