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

The cost of Providence movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Providence to Norfolk (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,293, while larger moves may reach $7,696 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 Providence.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $518 to $1,240, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Providence to Norfolk

Moving from Providence to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Providence, itโ€™s 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:

Providence Norfolk
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,500
Average home value $398,785 $283,890
Average income (per capita) $69,956 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $2,493 $2,769
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,406 $5,552
Unemployment rate 8.6% 7.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.0%
State income tax 5.99% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Norfolk are 32% lower than in Providence, 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 28.8% lower than in Providence.
  • Income in Norfolk is 9.3% lower than in Providence, 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 11.1% higher than in Providence. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Norfolk, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 2.7% higher than in Providence.
  • The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 15.12% lower than in Providence.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Norfolk are 14.29% lower than in Providence.
  • One perk of moving to Norfolk is paying less in state income taxes, which are 4.01% lower than in Providence.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,332.13 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Providence.

How life is different in Providence vs. Norfolk

Norfolk Providence
Population 238,005 190,934
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 46 76
Bike friendliness score 47 61
Crime Index 58.1 49.84
Safety Index 41.9 50.16
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Norfolk is about 25% greater than Providence, 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.
  • Getting around Norfolk without a car might be more difficult than in Providence. Norfolk has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Providence is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Norfolk neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Providence. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isnโ€™t as walkable as Providence, which has a score of 76 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 wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Norfolk, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Providence. While Providence has a bike-friendliness score of 61 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 Providence, 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 49.84 in Providence. 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 Providence, whose index is Providence's 50.16. 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 Providence 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 Providence 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Virginia doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Norfolk without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Norfolk

With your sights set on "Norfolk", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Norfolk.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • North Ghent
  • West Ghent
  • Newtown
  • Edgewater-Larchmont
  • West 21st Street

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Norfolk

Now that you've made the move to Virginia, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Norfolk. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Norfolk, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Providence to Norfolk?

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

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

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

Moving from Providence, RI to Norfolk, VA covers 542 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Providence movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Norfolk.

Helpful moving resources