Moving from Huntsville, AL to Norfolk, VA
Relocating 738 mi from Huntsville to Norfolk is a 13h 47m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
738 mi · 13h 47m by car · VA → TN → GA → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN → GA → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 64, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Norfolk runs about 5.2% more expensive overall than Huntsville — RPP 93.072 → 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Norfolk run about 5.2% pricier — ZHVI $287,569 → $306,227 (2026-03).
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Huntsville | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 45.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 62.9°F vs 61.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 3.0 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.49 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.2% lower in Norfolk than Huntsville.
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 Alabama 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.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Huntsville vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $70,778 in Huntsville — a 9.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Huntsville and Norfolk?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.4°F in Norfolk vs 62.9°F in Huntsville (1.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.0 in vs 2.4 in. Annual precipitation: 45.7 in vs 54.3 in.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 738 mi and the route typically takes 13h 47m via I 81 and I 64. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $287,569 in Huntsville — a 6.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Huntsville 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 738 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 5.2% higher than Huntsville (97.941 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL · Norfolk, VA.