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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Los Angeles is 110% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,879/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 34%
$80,366/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 20%
$879,500 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 69%
$2,055/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 34%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $633/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $7,596/year.

Median household income is $16,349/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Norfolk?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $633/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Norfolk?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $16,349/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Norfolk details →

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