Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Washington is 92% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,900/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 34%
$106,287/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 40%
$724,600 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 62%
$2,103/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 35%
672,079
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $654/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $7,848/year.

Median household income is $42,270/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Washington or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Norfolk?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $654/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Norfolk?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $42,270/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Virginia?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Norfolk details →

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