Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Elk Grove, CA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Norfolk is 47% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,246/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 75%
$64,017/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 91%
$271,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 122%
$1,366/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 63%
235,037
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $934/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $11,208/year.

Median household income is $58,212/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Norfolk or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $934/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $58,212/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

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