Median rent is 24% lower in Norfolk ($1,246/mo vs $1,649/mo). Buying is cheaper in Norfolk, where the median home runs $271,900 versus $366,300. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($90,685 vs $64,017 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (97.9).
City A
Norfolk, VA
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Norfolk, VA?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, VA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Virginia Beach
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Norfolk — median rent of $1,246/mo versus $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Virginia Beach: the median home is $366,300 versus $271,900 in Norfolk — 26% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Virginia Beach is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 5.30% in Virginia; Virginia Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Norfolk
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Virginia Beach
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Both cities have similar air quality: Norfolk averages 55.0 AQI (Moderate) and Virginia Beach averages 55.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,685/yr).
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,246/mo median).
Is Norfolk cheaper than Virginia Beach?
Norfolk is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 97.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Norfolk.
How much is rent in Norfolk vs Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,246/mo in Norfolk, VA and $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Norfolk, VA has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk, VA and $90,685 in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, 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?
Virginia Beach, VA has better air quality on average: 55.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Virginia Beach, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match my Norfolk income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Norfolk, VA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Virginia Beach, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology