Moving from Knoxville, TN to Norfolk, VA
The drive from Knoxville, TN to Norfolk, VA runs 523 mi β about 9h 41m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
523 mi Β· 9h 41m by car Β· VA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 64, US 52 |
| 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
| Knoxville | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.569 in Knoxville to 97.941 in Norfolk, a 5.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Norfolk ZHVI at $306,227 is 5.8% below Knoxville at $369,216.
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 45.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Norfolk gets around 3.0 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.49 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.8% between Knoxville and Norfolk (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 Tennessee 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Norfolk?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 523 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 5.8% higher than Knoxville (97.941 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 25.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 17.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 523 mi and the route typically takes 9h 41m via I 81 and I 64. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Norfolk, VA.