Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Norfolk is 16% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,246/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 17%
$64,017/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 16%
$271,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 23%
$1,366/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 14%
235,037
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $10,251/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Paterson — common questions

Is Norfolk or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Paterson?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Paterson?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $10,251/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Jersey?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Paterson details →

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