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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Newark is 12% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,330/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 6%
$48,416/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 32%
$337,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 20%
$1,419/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 4%
307,188
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

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $15,601/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Newark or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Norfolk?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Norfolk?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $15,601/year higher in Norfolk.
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 Newark or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Norfolk details →

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