Santa Ana, CA vs Norfolk, VA: 163 vs 89

$1,975/mo ↑ 59%

Median Rent

$1,246/mo ↓ 37%

$88,354/yr ↑ 38%

Median Income

$64,017/yr ↓ 28%

$657,800 ↑ 142%

Home Value

$271,900 ↓ 59%

$1,965/mo ↑ 44%

Owner Costs

$1,366/mo ↓ 30%

311,639

Population

235,037

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $24,337/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Norfolk cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Norfolk?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $729/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Norfolk?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $24,337/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Norfolk?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Norfolk

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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