Moving from Newark, NJ to Norfolk, VA
The 344 mi from Newark to Norfolk 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
| Newark | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Norfolk are 13.0% below Newark — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Norfolk typical home at $306,227 is 13.0% under Newark at $478,455 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 45.7" |
Climate warms by 6.6°F on the annual average — 54.8°F → 61.4°F.
Expect 3.0 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HARRISON, NJ US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.49 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.0% between Newark 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 New Jersey 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 — 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Newark vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $48,416 in Newark — a 32.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $478,455 in Newark — a 36.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newark to Norfolk?
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.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 13.0% lower than Newark (97.941 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Newark, NJ?
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.
What is the climate difference between Newark and Norfolk?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.4°F in Norfolk vs 54.8°F in Newark (6.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.0 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 45.7 in vs 50.4 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Norfolk, VA.