Chicago, IL vs Norfolk, VA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
On the headline indicators, Chicago and Norfolk are closely matched markets (homes within 14% of each other). Distinguishing the two usually requires looking past the cost averages — at the tax structure, commute patterns, and individual neighborhood differences.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$271,900 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$302,742
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,246/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
45.7%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
18.2x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$64,017
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$37,433
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
6.1% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
17.3%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
24.5 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
71.7%
Public Transit %
19.3%
2.8%
Work From Home %
18.3%
8.6%
State Income Tax
5.0%
5.8%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
5.6% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
0.8%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
19.3%
Median Age
35.7
32.4
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
69.7°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
45.7"
Annual Snowfall
—
3"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
Norfolk, VA 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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