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

The cost of Charlotte movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Charlotte to Norfolk (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,130, while larger moves may reach $6,332 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 Charlotte.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $406 to $947, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charlotte to Norfolk

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

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

Charlotte Norfolk
Average rent cost $1,790 $1,500
Average home value $391,658 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $64,814 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $3,158 $2,769
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,325 $5,552
Unemployment rate 3.3% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.25% 6.0%
State income tax 4.5% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Norfolk are 16% lower than in Charlotte, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Norfolk.
    Home prices in Norfolk are 27.5% lower than in Charlotte.
  • Income in Norfolk is 2.1% lower than in Charlotte, so you could earn less 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 12.3% lower than in Charlotte. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 33.3% lower than in Charlotte.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 121.21% higher than in Charlotte.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Norfolk are 17.24% lower than in Charlotte.
  • State income taxes in Norfolk are 27.78% higher than in Charlotte.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,630.46 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.

How life is different in Charlotte vs. Norfolk

Norfolk Charlotte
Population 238,005 874,579
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 46 26
Bike friendliness score 47 31
Crime Index 58.1 46.52
Safety Index 41.9 53.48
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 73% less than Charlotte.
  • Norfolk offers better access to buses and trains than Charlotte, based on public transportation ratings. Norfolk has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Charlotte. 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 Charlotte. Norfolk is considered more walkable than Charlotte, with a score of 46 out of 100 versus 26 out of 100 in Charlotte. 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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte is rated as 31 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Norfolk is higher than in Charlotte, 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 46.52 in Charlotte. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Norfolk. With a crime index of 41.9, Norfolk ranks lower in overall safety than Charlotte, whose index is Charlotte's 53.48. 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 Charlotte. Norfolk has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Charlotte. 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 Charlotte 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Virginia, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toNorfolk Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Norfolk

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Norfolk" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • North Ghent
  • West Ghent
  • Newtown
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • Colonial Place

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Norfolk

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 Charlotte to Norfolk?

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

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

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

Moving from Charlotte, NC to Norfolk, VA covers 326 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Charlotte movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.

Helpful moving resources