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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Norfolk is 61% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,246/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 92%
$64,017/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 72%
$271,900 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 288%
$1,366/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 80%
235,037
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,149/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $13,788/year.

Median household income is $46,056/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Norfolk or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,149/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $46,056/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Costa Mesa details →

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