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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

San Francisco is 200% more expensive than Norfolk.

$2,419/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 48%
$141,446/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 55%
$1,380,500 ↑ 408%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 80%
$2,620/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 48%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,173/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $14,076/year.

Median household income is $77,429/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Norfolk — common questions

Is San Francisco or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Norfolk?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $1,173/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Norfolk?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $77,429/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Norfolk details →

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