($1,472) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Norfolk, VA

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Norfolk

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

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

• Rent prices in Norfolk are 10% lower than in Grand Rapids, 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 13.5% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• Income is the same in Norfolk and Grand Rapids. 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 48.1% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 22.5% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 69.77% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• Sales taxes are the same in Norfolk and Grand Rapids.
• State income taxes in Norfolk are 35.29% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,557.66 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Norfolk

• The population of Norfolk is about 20% greater than Grand Rapids, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Norfolk will be about the same as it currently is in Grand Rapids. 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 Grand Rapids. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isn’t as walkable as Grand Rapids, which has a score of 56 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 Grand Rapids. While Grand Rapids has a bike-friendliness score of 52 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 Grand Rapids, 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 44.23 in Grand Rapids. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Norfolk. With a crime index of 41.9, Norfolk ranks lower in overall safety than Grand Rapids, whose index is Grand Rapids's 55.77. 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.
• The air quality in Norfolk and Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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\’t require moving permits, but it\’s 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. You’ll 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.

Helpful moving resources