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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Norfolk is 47% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,246/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 76%
$64,017/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 60%
$271,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 118%
$1,366/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 63%
235,037
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $945/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $11,340/year.

Median household income is $38,304/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Norfolk or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Fairfield?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $945/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Fairfield?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $38,304/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Fairfield details →

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