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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Norfolk is 28% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,246/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 36%
$64,017/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 19%
$271,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 50%
$1,366/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 28%
235,037
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $450/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $5,400/year.

Median household income is $12,066/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Norfolk or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Lancaster?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $450/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Lancaster?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $12,066/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Lancaster details →

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