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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Norfolk is 108% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,246/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 100%
$64,017/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 87%
$271,900 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 165%
$1,366/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 94%
235,037
Population
229,021

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,240/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $14,880/year.

Median household income is $55,909/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Norfolk or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,240/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $55,909/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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