Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Norfolk is 14% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,246/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 14%
$64,017/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 6%
$271,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 25%
$1,366/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 11%
235,037
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $3,527/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Worcester — common questions

Is Norfolk or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Worcester?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Worcester?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $3,527/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Worcester details →

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