Median rent is 5% lower in Norfolk ($1,321/mo vs $1,392/mo). Buying is cheaper in Norfolk, where the median home runs $289,900 versus $373,700. Households earn more in Norfolk ($66,109 vs $52,060 a year). Taken together, Norfolk is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.7 against 112.6 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Norfolk, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Norfolk is 13% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 97.7 in Norfolk vs 112.6 in Newark (US national average = 100)
City A
Newark, NJ
City B
Norfolk, VA
How much would you need to earn in Norfolk, VA to maintain your standard of living from Newark, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Norfolk, VA
$65,064
You could earn $9,936 less (13% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Newark
New Jersey
Norfolk
Virginia
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,392/mo in Newark and $1,321/mo in Norfolk. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newark: the median home is $373,700 versus $289,900 in Norfolk — 22% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Newark
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Norfolk
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Newark averages 46.0 AQI (Good) and Norfolk averages 45.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.7 vs 112.6).
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,109/yr).
Is Newark cheaper than Norfolk?
Norfolk is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.7 versus 112.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Norfolk.
How much is rent in Newark vs Norfolk?
Median rent is $1,392/mo in Newark, NJ and $1,321/mo in Norfolk, VA. Norfolk, VA has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Newark or Norfolk?
Median household income is $52,060 in Newark, NJ and $66,109 in Norfolk, VA. Norfolk, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Norfolk, VA has better air quality on average: 45.0 AQI versus 46.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Newark or Norfolk?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Norfolk to match my Newark income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Newark, NJ is equivalent to roughly $86,752 in Norfolk, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
