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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Norfolk is 71% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,246/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 140%
$64,017/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 171%
$271,900 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 462%
$1,366/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 123%
235,037
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,739/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $20,868/year.

Median household income is $109,653/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Norfolk or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,739/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $109,653/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Santa Clara details →

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