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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Modesto

California
120

Norfolk is 26% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,246/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 29%
$64,017/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 22%
$271,900 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 53%
$1,366/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 18%
235,037
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $13,882/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Modesto — common questions

Is Norfolk or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Modesto?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Modesto?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $13,882/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Modesto details →

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