Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Norfolk is 32% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,246/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 38%
$64,017/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 54%
$271,900 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 78%
$1,366/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 18%
235,037
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $34,669/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Meridian — common questions

Is Norfolk or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Meridian?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Meridian?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $34,669/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Idaho?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Meridian

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord