Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Norfolk to Phoenix
Comparing Norfolk, Virginia, and Phoenix, Arizona, using the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates highlights distinct trade-offs in population, income, housing, and commuting. Norfolk has a population estimate of 233,596, a median household income of $66,109, and a median gross rent of $1,321 per month. Its median owner-occupied home value is $289,900, with a derived one-way commute of 25 minutes. In contrast, Phoenix is much larger, with a population of 1,642,323, a higher median household income of $81,332, and a simplified state income tax reference of 2.50%. However, Phoenix features higher housing costs, including a median gross rent of $1,582 per month, a median home value of $420,700, and a slightly longer commute of 28 minutes. Both cities use a uniform non-housing baseline of $1,250 per month, and citywide data does not dictate schools or safety.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Phoenix → NorfolkMoving from Norfolk to Phoenix
Median Rent Impact
+$261/mo
Moving to Phoenix costs ~$3,132 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+2.5%
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Daily Commute Difference
+3 min / day
Difference of ~25 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
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Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTNOR → PHX
56/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$6,452after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainA balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference
Watch closelyThe $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above Dallas despite similar commute time
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Norfolk is about $3,132 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Norfolk household income$66,109
Phoenix household income$81,332
Norfolk gross rent$1,321
Phoenix gross rent$1,582
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Norfolk | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 233,596 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $66,109 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $1,321 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $289,900 | $420,700 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 2.5% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 25 minutes in Norfolk and 28 minutes in Phoenix. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Population scale and density differences
- Median household income variations
- Median gross rent and home values
- Derived one-way commute time estimates
What each city wins
Norfolk
A median owner-occupied home value of $289,900.. Watch a 25-minute derived commute against citywide medians..
Phoenix
A balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference. Watch the $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above dallas despite similar commute time.
Frequently asked questions
How do population estimates compare between Norfolk and Phoenix?
According to the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates, Norfolk has a population of 233,596, while Phoenix is substantially larger with a population estimate of 1,642,323.
What are the housing cost differences based on the 2024 ACS data?
Norfolk features a median gross rent of $1,321 and a median home value of $289,900, whereas Phoenix has a higher median gross rent of $1,582 and a median home value of $420,700.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.