Moving from Norfolk, VA to Murfreesboro, TN
Relocating 700 mi from Norfolk to Murfreesboro is a 12h 57m 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.
700 mi · 12h 57m by car · VA → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 64, I 40 |
| 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
| Norfolk | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 97.941 vs 96.338 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $306,227 to $426,292 moving to Murfreesboro.
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norfolk | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 55.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Norfolk (61.4°F) and Murfreesboro (58.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Murfreesboro averages 2.2 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: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.69 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.6% higher in Murfreesboro than Norfolk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 151,390 | $44,110 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 122,460 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 97,370 | $30,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 87,620 | $35,950 |
| Management Occupations | 87,180 | $106,770 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Murfreesboro averages 55.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 1.6% lower than Norfolk (96.338 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $64,017 in Norfolk — a 19.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Murfreesboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 700 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 700 mi and the route typically takes 12h 57m via I 81 and I 64. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Norfolk and Murfreesboro?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Murfreesboro vs 61.4°F in Norfolk (2.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 3.0 in. Annual precipitation: 55.9 in vs 45.7 in.
How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $306,227 in Norfolk — a 39.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA · Murfreesboro, TN.