Median rent is 0% lower in Norfolk ($1,321/mo vs $1,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Norfolk, where the median home runs $289,900 versus $314,400. Households earn more in Pensacola ($74,212 vs $66,109 a year). Taken together, Norfolk is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.7 against 97.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Pensacola, FL.
City A
Norfolk, VA
City B
Pensacola, FL
How much would you need to earn in Pensacola, FL to maintain your standard of living from Norfolk, VA?
Equivalent salary in Pensacola, FL
$75,093
You'd need $93 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Norfolk
Virginia
Pensacola
Florida
👥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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,321/mo in Norfolk and $1,322/mo in Pensacola. Median home values are within 8% of each other: $289,900 in Norfolk and $314,400 in Pensacola.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Norfolk
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Pensacola
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Norfolk (avg AQI 45.0) but not yet for Pensacola.
Pick Pensacola if you prioritize higher median household income ($74,212/yr).
Is Norfolk cheaper than Pensacola?
Norfolk is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.7 versus 97.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Norfolk.
How much is rent in Norfolk vs Pensacola?
Median rent is $1,321/mo in Norfolk, VA and $1,322/mo in Pensacola, FL. Norfolk, VA has the lower rent by about 0%.
Which has higher salaries — Norfolk or Pensacola?
Median household income is $66,109 in Norfolk, VA and $74,212 in Pensacola, FL. Pensacola, FL 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Norfolk or Pensacola?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Pensacola to match my Norfolk income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Norfolk, VA is equivalent to roughly $100,124 in Pensacola, FL (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
