Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Norfolk, VA
The 339 mi from Elizabeth to Norfolk translate to about 7h 24m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
339 mi · 7h 24m by car · VA → MD → DE → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → MD → DE → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, DE 1 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Norfolk is 13.0% cheaper than Elizabeth overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Norfolk is 13.0% below Elizabeth — $534,667 vs $306,227 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 45.7" |
Climate warms by 5.9°F on the annual average — 55.5°F → 61.4°F.
Norfolk averages 3.0 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.49 |
Median household incomes in Elizabeth ($63,874) and Norfolk ($64,017) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norfolk MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Jersey and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Norfolk, VA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 339 mi and the route typically takes 7h 24m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth to Norfolk?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 339 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Norfolk?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.4°F in Norfolk vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (5.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.0 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 45.7 in vs 46.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 42.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 13.0% lower than Elizabeth (97.941 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 0.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Norfolk, VA.