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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Irvine is 188% more expensive than Norfolk.

$2,893/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 57%
$129,647/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 51%
$1,115,400 ↑ 310%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 76%
$2,904/mo ↑ 113%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 53%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,647/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $19,764/year.

Median household income is $65,630/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Irvine or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Norfolk?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $1,647/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Norfolk?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $65,630/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Norfolk details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Irvine and Norfolk

Irvine vs. Cincinnati Irvine vs. St. Paul Irvine vs. Santa Ana Irvine vs. Newark Irvine vs. Orlando Irvine vs. Pittsburgh Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita