Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Jersey City is 66% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,902/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 34%
$94,813/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 32%
$534,500 ↑ 97%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 49%
$2,006/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 32%
289,691
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $30,796/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Jersey City or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Norfolk?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Norfolk?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $30,796/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Norfolk details →

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