Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Boise is 23% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,359/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 8%
$81,308/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 21%
$456,000 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 40%
$1,337/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 2%
235,701
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $17,291/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Boise or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Norfolk?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Norfolk?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $17,291/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Virginia?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boise details → View Norfolk details →