Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Norfolk is 51% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,246/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 20%
$64,017/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 28%
$271,900 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 54%
$1,366/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 28%
235,037
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $18,172/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Norfolk or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Syracuse?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Syracuse?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $18,172/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New York?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Syracuse details →

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