Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Norfolktoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Norfolk can be as low as $1,563 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,532.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $558 to $1,421. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Norfolk

Portland Norfolk
Average rent cost $1,991 $1,500
Average home value $542,001 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $64,171 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $2,491 $2,769
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,060 $5,552
Unemployment rate 5.2% 7.3%
Sales tax 5.5% 6.0%
State income tax 5.8% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Norfolk are 25% lower than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Norfolk are 47.6% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Norfolk is 1.1% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Norfolk is 11.2% higher than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 8.4% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 40.38% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Norfolk are 9.09% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes are the same in Norfolk and Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,334.81 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Norfolk

Norfolk Portland
Population 238,005 68,408
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 46 62
Bike friendliness score 47 68
Crime Index 58.1 32.16
Safety Index 41.9 67.84
Air Quality Good Good
  • Norfolk's population is about 248% greater than Portland.
  • Norfolk's public transportation has a similar score to Portland.
  • Norfolk is less walkable than Portland with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • Norfolk has a bike-friendliness score 47 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
  • Norfolk's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 58.1 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Norfolk neighborhoods are safer than 58.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
  • Norfolk is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 41.9 vs Portland's 67.84.
  • Air quality in Norfolk is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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 singlestoggle

  • East Ghent
  • North Ghent
  • Ghent
  • Downtown
  • West Ghent
  • Newtown
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • West 21st Street
  • Colonial Place

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Norfolktoggle

After settling into your new Virginia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Norfolk has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Portland to Norfolk?

The best time to move from Portland to Norfolk is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.

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

Because most people are moving from Portland to Norfolk in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Portland to Norfolk take?

The 674-mile move from Portland, ME, to Norfolk, VA, takes one to six days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Norfolk.

Helpful moving resources