Moving from Norfolk, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
It is a 395 mi drive, roughly 8h 12m, between Norfolk, VA and Pittsburgh, PA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
395 mi Β· 8h 12m by car Β· PA β MD β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β MD β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, I 64, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Richmond, Newport News, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Norfolk and Pittsburgh sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $306,227 in Norfolk to $237,533 in Pittsburgh, a 3.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Norfolk | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 41.3" |
Annual temperature drops 9.0Β°F moving to Pittsburgh per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.21 |
Household income lines up β $64,017 vs $64,137 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley 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 does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $306,227 in Norfolk β a 22.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $64,017 in Norfolk β a 0.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 3.3% lower than Norfolk (94.671 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 395 mi and the route typically takes 8h 12m via US 17 and I 64. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 395 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norfolk.
City profiles: Norfolk, VA Β· Pittsburgh, PA.