Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Norfolk is 25% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,246/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 37%
$64,017/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 8%
$271,900 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 36%
$1,366/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 22%
235,037
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $5,244/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Norfolk or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $5,244/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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