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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Norfolk is 33% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,246/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 43%
$64,017/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 25%
$271,900 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 68%
$1,366/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 30%
235,037
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $15,918/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Norfolk or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $15,918/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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