Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Fresno is 13% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,324/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 6%
$66,804/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 22%
$1,391/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 2%
543,615
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $2,787/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Fresno or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Norfolk?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Norfolk?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $2,787/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Norfolk details →

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