Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Sacramento is 48% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,694/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 26%
$83,753/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 24%
$484,600 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 44%
$1,752/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 22%
524,802
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $19,736/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Sacramento or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Norfolk?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Norfolk?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $19,736/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Norfolk details →

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