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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Norfolk is 9% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,246/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 4%
$64,017/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 5%
$271,900 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 16%
$1,366/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 16%
235,037
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $3,070/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Norfolk or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Lakeland?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Lakeland?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $3,070/year higher in Norfolk.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Lakeland details →

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