Moving from Baltimore, MD to Norfolk, VA
Moving from Baltimore, MD to Norfolk, VA 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
| Baltimore | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Norfolk is 6.3% cheaper than Baltimore overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Norfolk is 6.3% above Baltimore β $188,101 vs $306,227 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 45.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Baltimore (59.1Β°F) and Norfolk (61.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Norfolk averages 3.0 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.49 |
Median household income in Norfolk is 6.3% above Baltimore ($59,623 β $64,017, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norfolk MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Maryland and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 62.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Baltimore, MD?
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.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 7.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Norfolk?
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.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 6.3% lower than Baltimore (97.941 vs 104.487, 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 Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Norfolk, VA.