Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Norfolk is 29% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,246/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 28%
$64,017/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 31%
$271,900 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 67%
$1,366/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 28%
235,037
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $351/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $4,212/year.

Median household income is $19,840/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Norfolk or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $351/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Tacoma?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $19,840/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Tacoma

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville