Moving from Norfolk, VA to Newark, NJ
The 344 mi from Norfolk to Newark translate to about 7h 30m 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.
344 mi · 7h 30m by car · NJ → DE → MD → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → DE → MD → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, I 95, NJTP |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Paterson, New York, Jersey City, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Newark | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.941 in Norfolk to 112.563 in Newark, a 14.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Newark: 14.9% above Norfolk on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Newark -0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norfolk | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 50.4" |
Climate cools by 6.6°F on the annual average — 61.4°F → 54.8°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 28.2 in of snowfall annually at Newark.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 307,188 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $48,416 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 12.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.7 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.9% between Norfolk and Newark (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newark MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Newark averages 28.2 in annually vs 3.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Pack rain gear on top: Newark averages 50.4 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Newark?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,416 in Newark vs $64,017 in Norfolk — a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Newark compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $478,455 in Newark vs $306,227 in Norfolk — a 56.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Norfolk and Newark?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Newark vs 61.4°F in Norfolk (6.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 3.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 45.7 in.
How far is Newark, NJ from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 344 mi and the route typically takes 7h 30m via US 13 and I 95. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Newark?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 344 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Newark compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Newark MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Newark more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newark is 14.9% higher than Norfolk (112.563 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA · Newark, NJ.