Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Norfolk is 29% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,246/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 54%
$64,017/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 46%
$271,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 46%
$1,366/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 16%
235,037
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $29,354/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Surprise — common questions

Is Norfolk or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Surprise?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Surprise?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $29,354/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arizona?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite