Moving from Norfolk, VA to Elizabeth, NJ
The 339 mi from Norfolk to Elizabeth translate to about 7h 24m 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.
339 mi · 7h 24m by car · VA → MD → DE → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → MD → DE → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, NJTP, DE 1 TOLL |
| Major cities en route | Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norfolk | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 14.9% higher than Norfolk, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 14.9% above Norfolk — $306,227 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Norfolk +0.7%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norfolk | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.0" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.7" | 46.6" |
Climate cools by 5.9°F on the annual average — 61.4°F → 55.5°F.
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORFOLK NAS, VA US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norfolk | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,037 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $64,017 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.49 | 2.96 |
Median household incomes in Norfolk ($64,017) and Elizabeth ($63,874) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Elizabeth averages 31.5 in annually vs 3.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Norfolk, VA?
The driving distance is 339 mi and the route typically takes 7h 24m via US 13 and NJTP. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Norfolk vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $64,017 in Norfolk — a 0.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Norfolk?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 14.9% higher than Norfolk (112.563 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Norfolk and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 61.4°F in Norfolk (5.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 3.0 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 45.7 in.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Norfolk?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Norfolk?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $306,227 in Norfolk — a 74.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Norfolk to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 339 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 · Elizabeth, NJ.