Moving from Memphis, TN to Norfolk, VA
Relocating 906 mi from Memphis to Norfolk is a 16h 41m drive through 2 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.
906 mi · 16h 41m by car · TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Richmond, Newport News, Hampton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.3% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.3% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $144,710 to $306,227 moving to Norfolk.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 45.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Memphis (63.4°F) and Norfolk (61.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.49 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.3% — $51,211 → $64,017 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Tennessee 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 111.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 906 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 25.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 6.3% higher than Memphis (97.941 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Norfolk?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.4°F in Norfolk vs 63.4°F in Memphis (2.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.0 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 45.7 in vs 54.9 in.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 906 mi and the route typically takes 16h 41m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Norfolk, VA.