Is Boston, MA cheaper than Norfolk, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 44.7% more expensive than Norfolk, VA. This translates to spending an extra $3350 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Norfolk, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Norfolk, VA, you'd need approximately $190,194.175 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Norfolk, VA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 93.3% more expensive than in Norfolk, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Norfolk, VA to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3350 more per month than Norfolk, VA, or $40194 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Norfolk, VA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Norfolk, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.3K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.2K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 44.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,350

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Norfolk, VA

Population:238K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$309K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

145

(45% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 238K residents.

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Norfolk, VA vs Boston, MA

Category	Norfolk, VA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,547more	93.3%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $546more	42.6%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$716/mo	↑ $142more	24.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$743/mo	↑ $112more	17.6%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $66.96more	3.8%

Housing

↑ 93.3%

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,547

Transportation

↑ 42.6%

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$546

All Utilities

↑ 24.8%

Norfolk, VA

$574

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$142

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Norfolk, VA

$959

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$120

Healthcare

↑ 17.6%

Norfolk, VA

$632

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$112

Other

↑ 3.8%

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$66.96

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,420

To$3,095

↑ $1,675

1 Bed

From$1,440

To$3,255

↑ $1,815

2 Bed

From$1,630

To$3,865

↑ $2,235

3 Bed

From$2,260

To$4,630

↑ $2,370

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,935

Monthly in Norfolk, VA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,534

Difference

Home Values

Norfolk

Boston

$309K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$249K - $469K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 211% more expensive than Norfolk

Calculate payment - Norfolk Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $868

Per year

Monthly Difference

$72.29

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Norfolk, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.