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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

San Jose is 185% more expensive than Norfolk.

$2,617/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 52%
$141,565/yr ↑ 121%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 55%
$1,187,800 ↑ 337%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 77%
$2,775/mo ↑ 103%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 51%
990,054
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,371/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $16,452/year.

Median household income is $77,548/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Norfolk — common questions

Is San Jose or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Norfolk?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $1,371/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Norfolk?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $77,548/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Norfolk details →

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