Key factors that impact the cost of your Wichita to Norfolk move
What to know before moving from Wichita to Norfolk
Moving from Wichita to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Wichita, 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:
Wichita | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $930 | $1,500 |
Average home value | $190,905 | $283,890 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,712 | $63,484 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,107 | $2,769 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,818 | $5,552 |
Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 7.3% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 5.7% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 61% higher than in Wichita, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
Home prices in Norfolk are 48.7% higher than in Wichita. - Income in Norfolk is 4.6% higher than in Wichita, so you could earn more 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 31.4% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 4.6% lower than in Wichita.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 23.73% higher than in Wichita.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the cityโs sales taxes in Norfolk are 20.00% lower than in Wichita.
- State income taxes are the same in Norfolk and Wichita.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,942.57 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.
How life is different in Wichita vs. Norfolk
Norfolk | Wichita | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,005 | 397,532 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 3 |
Walkability score | 46 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 44 |
Crime Index | 58.1 | 49.19 |
Safety Index | 41.9 | 50.81 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 40% less than Wichita.
- Norfolk offers better access to buses and trains than Wichita, based on public transportation ratings. Norfolk has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Wichita. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Norfolk means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Wichita. Norfolk is considered more walkable than Wichita, with a score of 46 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Wichita. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- Norfolk and Wichita are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 47 and 44 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- The crime rate in Norfolk is higher than in Wichita, 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 49.19 in Wichita. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Norfolk. With a crime index of 41.9, Norfolk ranks lower in overall safety than Wichita, whose index is Wichita's 50.81. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Norfolk has better air quality than in Wichita. Norfolk has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Wichita. 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 Wichita 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Virginia doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Norfolk. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Norfolk
Ready to relocate to "Norfolk"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Norfolk.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ghent
- Downtown
- West Ghent
- West 21st Street
- Colonial Place
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, itโs time to see what Norfolk is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Norfolk include museums and art 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Wichita to Norfolk?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Wichita to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Wichita are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to Norfolk?
With many people choosing to move from Wichita 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 Wichita to Norfolk take?
Moving from Wichita, KS to Norfolk, VA covers 1,354 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Wichita movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.