Key factors that impact the cost of your Louisville to Norfolk move
What to know before moving from Louisville to Norfolk
Moving from Louisville to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Louisville, 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:
Louisville | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,500 |
Average home value | $242,612 | $283,890 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,771 | $63,484 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,862 | $2,769 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,532 | $5,552 |
Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 7.3% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 20% higher than in Louisville, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Louisville.
Home prices in Norfolk are 17.0% higher than in Louisville. - Income in Norfolk is 9.0% lower than in Louisville, so you could earn less 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 48.7% higher than in Louisville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 22.5% higher than in Louisville.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 46.00% higher than in Louisville.
- Sales taxes are the same in Norfolk and Louisville.
- State income taxes in Norfolk are 43.75% higher than in Louisville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,461.33 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Louisville.
How life is different in Louisville vs. Norfolk
Norfolk | Louisville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,005 | 782,969 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 46 | 91 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 79 |
Crime Index | 58.1 | 56.68 |
Safety Index | 41.9 | 43.32 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 70% less than Louisville.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Norfolk will be about the same as it currently is in Louisville. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Norfolk neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Louisville. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isnโt as walkable as Louisville, which has a score of 91 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 wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Norfolk, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Louisville. While Louisville has a bike-friendliness score of 79 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.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Norfolk as Louisville. 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 80โ100.
- Norfolk is generally as safe as Louisville, 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 Louisville 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 Louisville 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
- North Ghent
- Downtown
- Newtown
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West 21st Street
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Virginia Beach
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- East Ghent
Things to do in Norfolk
Once youโre settled into your new home in Virginia, itโs time to get out and discover what Norfolk has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs 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 cityโs 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 Louisville to Norfolk?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Louisville to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Louisville are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Louisville to Norfolk?
With many people choosing to move from Louisville 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 Louisville to Norfolk take?
Moving from Louisville, KY to Norfolk, VA covers 655 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Louisville movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.