Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Mesa is 20% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,478/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 16%
$78,779/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 19%
$364,300 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 25%
$1,404/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 3%
507,478
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $14,762/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Mesa or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Norfolk?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Norfolk?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $14,762/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Norfolk details →

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