Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Norfolk, VA?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 39.8% more expensive than Norfolk, VA. This translates to spending an extra $2985 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Norfolk, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Norfolk, VA, you'd need approximately $185,825.243 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 91.4% more expensive than in Norfolk, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Norfolk, VA to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $2985 more per month than Norfolk, VA, or $35825 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Norfolk, VA vs San Diego, CA: 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 $3.0K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $185.8K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 39.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,985

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$35.8K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

140

(40% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Norfolk, VA vs San Diego, CA

Category	Norfolk, VA	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $2,495more	91.4%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $287more	22.3%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $134more	7.6%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$634/mo	↑ $60.11more	10.5%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$638/mo	↑ $6.20more	1.0%

Housing

↑ 91.4%

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,495

Transportation

↑ 22.3%

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$287

Other

↑ 7.6%

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$134

Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Norfolk, VA

$959

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$120

All Utilities

↑ 10.5%

Norfolk, VA

$574

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$60.11

Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Norfolk, VA

$632

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$6.20

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,420

To$2,565

↑ $1,145

1 Bed

From$1,440

To$2,755

↑ $1,315

2 Bed

From$1,630

To$3,360

↑ $1,730

3 Bed

From$2,260

To$4,475

↑ $2,215

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,102

Difference

Home Values

Norfolk

San Diego

$309K

Median Value

$980K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$249K - $469K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 217% more expensive than Norfolk

Calculate payment - Norfolk Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$188

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.