Key factors that impact the cost of your Harrisburg to Norfolk move
What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Norfolk
Moving from Harrisburg to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Harrisburg, 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:
Harrisburg | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,500 |
Average home value | $230,038 | $283,890 |
Average income (per capita) | $73,256 | $63,484 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,849 | $2,769 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,612 | $5,552 |
Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 7.3% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Norfolk are 25% higher than in Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg.
Home prices in Norfolk are 23.4% higher than in Harrisburg. - Income in Norfolk is 13.3% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 49.8% higher than in Harrisburg. 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 53.7% higher than in Harrisburg.
- The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 45.52% lower than in Harrisburg.
- Sales taxes are the same in Norfolk and Harrisburg.
- State income taxes in Norfolk are 87.30% higher than in Harrisburg.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,492.70 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.
How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Norfolk
Norfolk | Harrisburg | |
---|---|---|
Population | 238,005 | 50,099 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 46 | 68 |
Bike friendliness score | 47 | 57 |
Crime Index | 58.1 | 64.18 |
Safety Index | 41.9 | 35.82 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Norfolk is about 375% greater than Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isnโt as walkable as Harrisburg, which has a score of 68 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 Harrisburg. While Harrisburg has a bike-friendliness score of 57 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.
- Norfolk has a lower crime rate than Harrisburg based on scores of 58.1 and Harrisburg's 64.18, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Norfolk than in Harrisburg, based on Norfolkโs safety index of 41.9 versus 35.82 for Harrisburg. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Norfolk has better air quality than in Harrisburg. Norfolk has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Harrisburg. 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 Harrisburg 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 regulationsโsome 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Virginia, though it\โs 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 youโve chosen "Norfolk" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Norfolk to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- East Ghent
- Ghent
- West Ghent
- Newtown
- Edgewater-Larchmont
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Ghent
- Ghent
- Edgewater-Larchmont
- West Ghent
- 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 Harrisburg to Norfolk?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Harrisburg to Norfolk are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Harrisburg are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to Norfolk?
With many people choosing to move from Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Norfolk take?
Moving from Harrisburg, PA to Norfolk, VA covers 306 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Harrisburg movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.