Moving from Norfolk, VA to Lubbock, TX
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Lubbock, TX is a 1665 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 20m of driving through 4 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1665 mi Β· 30h 20m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 82, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Denton, Little Rock, Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Lubbock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 91.317 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 82.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 76.357 | 100.0 |
Lubbock is 6.8% cheaper than Norfolk overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lubbock is 6.8% below Norfolk β $306,227 vs $209,436 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Lubbock +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Norfolk | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 19.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Norfolk (61.4Β°F) and Lubbock (61.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, LUBBOCK WFO, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Lubbock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 261,078 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $60,487 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.48 |
Median household income in Lubbock is 6.8% below Norfolk ($64,017 β $60,487, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lubbock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,380 | $36,350 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,440 | $26,700 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 14,850 | $30,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,440 | $35,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 11,550 | $59,240 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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-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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Lubbock average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Lubbock more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lubbock is 6.8% lower than Norfolk (91.317 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 Lubbock?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1665 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Lubbock compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $209,436 in Lubbock vs $306,227 in Norfolk β a 31.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Lubbock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,487 in Lubbock vs $64,017 in Norfolk β a 5.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lubbock, TX from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 1665 mi and the route typically takes 30h 20m via I 40 and US 82. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lubbock compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 150,730 and 737,200 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 Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA Β· Lubbock, TX.