Moving from Norfolk, VA to Baltimore, MD
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Baltimore, MD covers 229 mi and about 4h 43m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
229 mi Β· 4h 43m by car Β· MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 95, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Richmond, Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Baltimore | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 104.487 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 110.215 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 102.353 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 118.194 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.941 in Norfolk to 104.487 in Baltimore, a 6.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Baltimore: 6.7% below Norfolk on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Baltimore -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Norfolk | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 43.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 577,193 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $59,623 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 18.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.3 |
Median household income in Baltimore is 6.7% below Norfolk ($64,017 β $59,623, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Baltimore MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,740 | $46,770 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,980 | $42,010 |
| Management Occupations | 113,490 | $120,070 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 107,080 | $84,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 102,740 | $35,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Maryland
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Maryland'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Baltimore average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Maryland after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Baltimore compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $188,101 in Baltimore vs $306,227 in Norfolk β a 38.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Baltimore more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Baltimore is 6.7% higher than Norfolk (104.487 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Baltimore?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 229 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Baltimore compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 1,304,310 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Baltimore?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,623 in Baltimore vs $64,017 in Norfolk β a 6.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Baltimore, MD from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 229 mi and the route typically takes 4h 43m via I 64 and I 95. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA Β· Baltimore, MD.