Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Boston is 98% more expensive than Norfolk.

$2,093/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 40%
$94,755/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 32%
$710,400 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 62%
$2,176/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 37%
663,972
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $30,738/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Boston or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Norfolk?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Norfolk?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $30,738/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Norfolk details →

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