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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Norfolk is 49% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,246/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 58%
$64,017/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 41%
$271,900 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 182%
$1,366/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 48%
235,037
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $725/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $8,700/year.

Median household income is $26,149/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Norfolk or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $725/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $26,149/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Garden Grove details →

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