Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Reno is 37% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,453/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 14%
$78,448/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 18%
$498,600 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 45%
$1,482/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 8%
268,959
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $14,431/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Reno or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Norfolk?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Norfolk?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $14,431/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Virginia?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Reno details → View Norfolk details →

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