Moving from Greensboro, NC to Norfolk, VA
Relocating between Greensboro, NC and Norfolk, VA is a 248 mi drive β 5h 8m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
248 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, I 85, US 158 |
| Major cities en route | Winston Salem, High Point, Durham, Cary, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Greensboro | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Norfolk runs about 5.5% more expensive overall than Greensboro β RPP 92.865 β 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Norfolk run about 5.5% pricier β ZHVI $264,428 β $306,227 (2026-03).
YoY change: Greensboro -0.1%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Greensboro | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.9" | 45.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.8Β°F vs 61.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 3.0 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREENSBORO WTP, NC US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Greensboro | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 298,564 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $58,884 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.49 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.5% higher in Norfolk than Greensboro.
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 North Carolina 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Greensboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $264,428 in Greensboro β a 15.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Greensboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 5.5% higher than Greensboro (97.941 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Greensboro, NC?
The driving distance is 248 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via US 58 and I 85. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Greensboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $42,730 in the Greensboro MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Greensboro vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $58,884 in Greensboro β a 8.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Greensboro to Norfolk?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 248 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 Greensboro.
City profiles: Greensboro, NC Β· Norfolk, VA.