Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Jacksonville is 3% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,375/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 9%
$66,981/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 4%
$266,100 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 2%
$1,324/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 3%
961,739
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $2,964/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Norfolk?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Norfolk?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $2,964/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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 Jacksonville details → View Norfolk details →

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