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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Norfolk is 15% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,246/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 24%
$64,017/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$64,440/yr ≈ Same
$271,900 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 20%
$1,366/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 3%
235,037
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $423/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Norfolk or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Clearwater?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Clearwater?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $423/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Clearwater details →

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