($1,494) Movers From Memphis, TN to Norfolk, VA

What to know before moving from Memphis to Norfolk

Moving from Memphis to Norfolk comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Norfolk is generally more expensive than Memphis, it’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:

• Rent prices in Norfolk are 16% higher than in Memphis, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
  Home prices in Norfolk are 97.5% higher than in Memphis.
• Income in Norfolk is 32.0% higher than in Memphis, so you could earn more 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 50.3% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 26.1% higher than in Memphis.
• The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 8.75% lower than in Memphis.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city’s sales taxes in Norfolk are 38.46% lower than in Memphis.
• State income taxes in Norfolk are 5.75% higher than in Memphis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,509.77 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.

How life is different in Memphis vs. Norfolk

• Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 62% less than Memphis.
• Norfolk offers better access to buses and trains than Memphis, based on public transportation ratings. Norfolk has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Memphis. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Norfolk means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Memphis. Norfolk is considered more walkable than Memphis, with a score of 46 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Memphis. A city’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 Memphis 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 Memphis is rated as 41 out of 100.
• Norfolk has a lower crime rate than Memphis based on scores of 58.1 and Memphis's 77.49, 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 Memphis, based on Norfolk’s safety index of 41.9 versus 22.51 for Memphis. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Norfolk and Memphis 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 Memphis 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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 company’s license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Virginia doesn’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.

Helpful moving resources