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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Richmond

California
161

Norfolk is 45% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,246/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 52%
$64,017/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
$271,900 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 139%
$1,366/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 48%
235,037
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $26,021/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Richmond — common questions

Is Norfolk or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Richmond?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Richmond?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $26,021/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Richmond

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell