Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Tampa is 27% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,567/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 20%
$71,302/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 10%
$375,300 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 28%
$1,553/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 12%
393,389
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $7,285/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Tampa or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Norfolk?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Norfolk?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $7,285/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Norfolk details →

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