Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Norfolk, VA
The 348 mi from Jersey City to Norfolk translate to about 7h 35m 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.
348 mi · 7h 35m by car · NJ → DE → MD → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → DE → MD → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, New York, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jersey City | 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City — $658,269 vs $306,227 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jersey City -0.7%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jersey City | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 45.7" |
Climate warms by 6.6°F on the annual average — 54.8°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: HARRISON, NJ US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jersey City | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,691 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $94,813 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.4% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.49 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.0% between Jersey City and Norfolk (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 does the job market in Norfolk compare to Jersey City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $59,390 in the Jersey City 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.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Jersey City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $658,269 in Jersey City — a 53.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Jersey City, NJ?
The driving distance is 348 mi and the route typically takes 7h 35m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Jersey City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 13.0% lower than Jersey City (97.941 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Jersey City 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 348 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Jersey City vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $94,813 in Jersey City — a 32.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Jersey City and Norfolk?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.4°F in Norfolk vs 54.8°F in Jersey City (6.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.0 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 45.7 in vs 50.4 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jersey City.
City profiles: Jersey City, NJ · Norfolk, VA.