($1,823) Movers From Seattle, WA to Norfolk, VA

What to know before moving from Seattle to Norfolk

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

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

• Rent prices in Norfolk are 24% lower than in Seattle, 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 66.3% lower than in Seattle.
• Income in Norfolk is 18.4% lower than in Seattle, 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 26.0% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Norfolk is 43.4% lower than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in Norfolk is 52.08% higher than in Seattle.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Norfolk, since the city’s sales taxes in Norfolk are 42.03% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes in Norfolk are 5.75% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,221.12 in Norfolk to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Norfolk

• Norfolk might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 68% less than Seattle.
• Getting around Norfolk without a car might be more difficult than in Seattle. Norfolk has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Seattle is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’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 Seattle. Based on its score of 46 out of 100, Norfolk isn’t as walkable as Seattle, which has a score of 74 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 Seattle. While Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 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.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Norfolk as Seattle. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• 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 Seattle, whose index is Seattle's 49.23. 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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