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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Ontario

California
152

Norfolk is 41% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,246/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 54%
$64,017/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 29%
$271,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 109%
$1,366/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 44%
235,037
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $18,789/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Ontario — common questions

Is Norfolk or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Ontario?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Ontario?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $18,789/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Ontario details →

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