Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Norfolk and Hampton have a similar cost of living.

$1,246/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 8%
$64,017/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 6%
$271,900 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 14%
$1,366/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 1%
235,037
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $3,741/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Hampton — common questions

Is Norfolk or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Hampton?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Hampton?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $3,741/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Hampton details →

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