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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Norfolk is 18% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,246/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 15%
$64,017/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,988/yr ≈ Same
$271,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 42%
$1,366/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 8%
235,037
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $29/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Norfolk or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $29/year higher in Norfolk.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View San Bernardino details →

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