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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Norfolk is 32% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,246/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 39%
$64,017/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 27%
$271,900 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 60%
$1,366/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 34%
235,037
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $17,134/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Norfolk or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Palmdale?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Palmdale?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $17,134/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

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