Cost of Living in Norfolk, VA
Population 235,037 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Norfolk lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $272,000 — 11% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Virginia. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Norfolk
The median home value in Norfolk is $271,900 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,246/month, 5% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,017/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 69.7°F and lows of 53.1°F, with about 3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Norfolk has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 53 | 59 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 86 | 81 | 72 | 61 | 54 |
| Low °F | 34 | 35 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 68 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 56 | 45 | 38 |
| Precip" | 2.93 | 2.55 | 3.47 | 3.28 | 3.55 | 4.64 | 5.21 | 5.30 | 5.14 | 3.58 | 3.14 | 2.89 |
| Snow" | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA?
Norfolk has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in Norfolk, VA?
The median gross rent in Norfolk is $1,246 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk is $271,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Norfolk?
The median household income in Norfolk is $64,017 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Norfolk, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Norfolk is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Norfolk, VA affordable?
Norfolk is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Norfolk?
Norfolk has average high temperatures of 69.7°F and average lows of 53.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.7". Average annual snowfall is 3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Norfolk at a Glance
- Population
- 235,037
- Median Income
- $64,017
- Home Value
- $271,900
- Median Rent
- $1,246/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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