Norfolk, Virginia has an overall cost of living index of 97.7, which is 2.3 points below the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,321 per month, while the typical home is valued around $289,900. Households earn a median of $66,109 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 45. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$66,109
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,321
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$289,900
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
97.7
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
97.7
Goods
97.1
Rents / Housing
97.7
Services
88.4
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $125,540 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $87,630 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $69,150 |
| ⚡Electrician | $60,850 |
| 📊Accountant | $85,780 |
| 🔧Plumber | $57,890 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $260,560 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $95,800 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $120,370 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $75,750 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $129,210 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $51,360 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $131,120 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
233,596
Latest estimate
Median Age
32.7 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
45.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
N/A
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$1,228
Per month
Avg Home Value
$288,750
Census ACS
January Avg
42°F
July Avg
81°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Temperate · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
31.0
poor
Hospitals
3
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
90.9%
What is the cost of living index for Norfolk?
Norfolk has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 97.7. The US national average is 100, so Norfolk is 2.3 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Norfolk?
The median gross rent in Norfolk is $1,321 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Norfolk?
The median household income in Norfolk is $66,109 per year.
What is the median home value in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk is $289,900 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Norfolk?
Norfolk has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Norfolk?
Tax data for Virginia is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
