Boston, the capital city of Massachusetts, is a bustling urban center known for its historic importance, esteemed colleges and universities, and strong sports culture. Norfolk, located in the southeastern part of Virginia, is known for its strong military presence and rich maritime history. Both cities offer unique experiences with differences in weather, economy, cost of living, education, and culture. Let's jump further into the discussion.
Distance between
Boston, MA and
Norfolk, VA : 465.4 miles
Boston's population is larger by 179%. Its population has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) since 2000. The population of Norfolk has grown by 686 people (0.3%) during that time.
While every city has its areas of concern, Boston generally has lower crime rates compared to Norfolk. The violent crime rate is slightly higher in Norfolk, possibly influenced by the higher levels of poverty. Boston has invested in community-policed programs that contribute to its lower crime rate. Both cities are implementing strategies to boost safety, but caution is advised while in specific neighborhoods.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 331 registered sex offenders living in Boston and 868 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Boston is 2,033 to 1; the ratio in Norfolk is 282 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Boston than in Norfolk.
Cost of Living
Boston has a higher cost of living compared to Norfolk. Housing costs contribute most significantly to this difference, as Boston's real estate market is extremely competitive. However, Boston's higher salaries can offset these costs, while Norfolk offers a more affordable lifestyle with slightly lower wages.
Income Tax
Both states tax income. Massachusetts has a flat rate of 5%, while Virginia utilizes a progressive system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%.
Property Tax
Boston has a lower property tax rate compared to Norfolk. However, due to the high real estate prices in Boston, homeowners could end up paying more in total property taxes.
Sales Tax
Massachusetts has a flat 6.25% sales tax state-wide on most goods and services. Virginia has a 4.3% state sales tax with an additional possible 3% from localities, making Norfolk's combined rate 6%.
Income
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Estimated median household income
$79,283
$58,591
Estimated per capita income
$50,337
$33,362
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
143.8
96.6
If you make $50,000 in Norfolk, you will have to make $74,431 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Boston is a mix of coastal and urban landscapes with buildings dating back centuries. Norfolk is primarily flat, situated in the coastal plain of Virginia. It offers beautiful beach access, maritime forests, and the notable Chesapeake Bay.
Both cities have a strong commitment to education. Boston, famously known for Harvard and MIT, is a popular destination for students from around the world. Norfolk is home to several well-respected institutions, including Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University.
Boston's economy thrives on sectors such as tech, biotech, finance, and education. Norfolk, being home to the largest naval base in the world, has a strong military presence which heavily impacts its economy. Shipbuilding, maritime trade, and tourism also significantly contribute to Norfolk's economy.
Biggest Employers
Boston's biggest employers include Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Boston University among others. In Norfolk, the U.S. Navy, Norfolk City Public Schools, and Sentara Norfolk General Hospital are the largest employers.
There were 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011) compared to 303 building permits issued in Norfolk in 2012 (78 more than in 2011).
In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Norfolk (Norfolk city), 72.5% voted for Democrats and 26.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Boston
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
2020
80.6%
71.7%
17.5%
26.1%
1.9%
2.2%
2016
78.5%
68.4%
16.1%
25.8%
5.4%
5.8%
2012
77.4%
72.5%
20.8%
26.8%
1.8%
0.8%
2008
76.9%
71.5%
21.2%
28.2%
1.8%
0.3%
2004
75.9%
61.7%
22.8%
37.4%
1.3%
0.9%
2000
71.5%
61.8%
20.5%
35.5%
8.0%
2.7%
1996
73.0%
62.6%
19.9%
31.1%
7.0%
6.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Boston
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
CATHOLIC CHURCH
46.1%
4.7%
12.4%
2.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
3.4%
8.9%
3.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
4.2%
2.4%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
2.0%
4.7%
3.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
4.0%
0.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.6%
6.3%
6.9%
11.6%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.3%
0.7%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.6%
0.7%
1.1%
Weather
Boston experiences a full range of four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Norfolk's weather is milder, with slightly warmer winters and occasional flurries, and summers generally cooler than Boston's. Coastline living in Norfolk can mean more hurricanes and tropical storms compared to Boston's Nor'easters.
Weather and climate
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Temperature - Average
50.6°F
59.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
23.1%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.3 in
46.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
88.3 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.4%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.7%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
53%
Wind speed - Average
12.5 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Average climate in Norfolk, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Boston
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
Boston
Norfolk
2018
76
57
0.24
0.29
12.3
7.0
26.1
30.9
0.002
N/A
9.2
6.1
0.5
0.3
2017
83
60
0.26
0.23
12.5
7.6
26.4
33.0
0.002
N/A
8.9
6.9
0.6
0.3
2016
75
66
0.27
0.22
14.1
7.3
24.4
31.5
0.002
N/A
7.4
6.1
0.5
0.3
2015
81
57
0.30
0.27
15.7
8.1
23.4
33.5
0.002
N/A
8.9
6.4
0.8
0.5
2014
76
59
0.30
0.28
14.0
8.3
24.5
33.5
0.002
N/A
9.3
6.8
1.2
1.2
2013
86
66
0.30
0.28
13.5
7.8
26.2
30.9
0.002
N/A
9.8
6.8
1.3
1.2
2012
89
76
0.29
0.30
11.8
8.4
23.5
34.2
0.002
N/A
9.5
8.1
1.4
1.2
2011
87
66
0.30
0.27
14.8
10.2
24.2
34.8
0.003
N/A
10.5
8.8
1.6
1.7
2010
92
80
0.26
0.24
13.8
6.4
25.0
38.2
0.004
N/A
10.0
N/A
2.3
2.2
2009
86
54
0.32
0.24
15.3
9.8
23.5
31.5
0.012
N/A
9.7
N/A
2.4
2.5
2008
96
77
0.26
0.24
16.6
10.3
22.9
36.2
0.004
N/A
12.4
N/A
3.8
3.5
2007
124
81
0.28
0.17
18.5
12.2
19.9
36.4
0.004
N/A
13.9
N/A
4.0
4.6
2006
103
62
0.38
0.34
15.8
N/A
20.9
36.3
0.004
N/A
12.5
N/A
3.5
3.4
2005
115
67
0.28
0.28
17.0
N/A
22.1
35.5
N/A
N/A
12.7
N/A
4.3
3.5
2004
104
80
0.26
0.29
15.6
15.9
22.5
33.4
N/A
N/A
13.7
N/A
4.6
4.4
2003
116
84
0.55
0.33
20.1
16.2
22.4
34.3
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
5.2
4.1
2002
130
99
0.35
0.41
19.8
17.8
21.8
38.0
N/A
N/A
13.5
N/A
5.0
6.4
2001
112
92
0.44
0.41
19.9
18.2
20.7
36.4
N/A
N/A
13.6
N/A
5.9
6.3
2000
88
85
0.57
0.43
18.8
15.7
19.2
36.6
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
5.6
6.8
Natural disasters
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
55.3%
69.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
26.6%
36.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
33%
0%
Transportation
Boston features a highly developed public transit system with the MBTA providing bus, subway, and rail services. Norfolk's HRT system offers bus, ferry, and light rail services but with less coverage than Boston.
Transport
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
224
106
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Bicycle
1.7%
0.4%
Bus
7.1%
1.7%
Carpooled
6.8%
9.2%
Car alone
54.7%
83%
Ferryboat
0.2%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.5%
0.1%
Streetcar
13.5%
0%
Subway
3.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.3%
Walked
10%
4.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Average
38.6 min
26.5 min
Other means
26.1 min
21.4 min
Public transportation
38.6 min
43.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
87.1%
89.2%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.5%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Boston’s real estate market is hot, driving higher prices for buyers and renters. In contrast, Norfolk's real estate market is more affordable and accessible for first-time home buyers.
Neighborhoods
Boston has a diverse mix of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. These include the trendy Back Bay, historic Beacon Hill, and vibrant South End. Norfolk's neighborhoods like Ghent, Downtown, and Freemason, each offer distinct experiences, from historic homes to bustling urban life.
Houses and residents
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Houses
307,025
102,423
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.4
Median year apartment built
1957
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.6 years
12.3 years
Houses occupied
271,941 (88.6%)
97,596 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
94,497 (34.7%)
44,867 (46%)
Houses occupied by renters
177,444 (65.3%)
52,729 (54%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,632
$517.27
Median monthly housing costs
$1,883
$1,196
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,040,328
$166,683
Estimated median house or condo value
$659,700
$250,300
Median numbers of rooms
4.3
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.4
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$683,896
$306,640
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$639,493
$250,782
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$745,440
$117,518
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$986,433
$260,910
Median house price - mobile homes
$117,668
$23,245
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$267,013
Median house price - All housing units
$793,380
$296,270
Median house age
73
56
Renting percentage
66.1%
54.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
6,340.1
1,906.3
House value disparities
23.5%
33.9%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,364
$101,012
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,179
$66,099
Housing units without a mortgage
1,250 (1.8%)
741 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,686 (11.2%)
1,418 (4.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
67,144 (98.2%)
33,471 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
218 (0.3%)
128 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,540 (13.9%)
2,277 (6.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
1.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Boston
Norfolk
One, detached
12.0%
48.2%
One, attached
6.4%
7.7%
Two
11.9%
4.8%
3 or 4
24.1%
10.2%
5 to 9
11.2%
10.1%
10 to 19
7.2%
6.0%
20 to 49
8.0%
4.1%
50 or more
19.0%
8.2%
Mobile homes
0.1%
0.7%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,605
4,402
State government workers
12,810
5,009
Unpaid family workers
303
102
Industries and Occupations
Boston is well known for its flourishing biotech, finance, and education sectors. Many people in Boston are employed in professional, scientific, and technical services. In Norfolk, many occupations revolve around the naval base, the port, and related industries like shipbuilding and transportation.
Both Boston and Norfolk offer robust health care options. Boston is world-renowned for its hospitals like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s. Norfolk residents have access to quality care through facilities like Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Boston
Norfolk
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Boston's infrastructure is a mix of historic structures and modern amenities, whereas Norfolk has a blend of urban living and natural landscapes. Both cities have well-established utilities, parks, and public amenities. However, Boston's public transit system is more robust compared to Norfolk.
Infrastructure
Type
Boston
Norfolk
Hospitals
22
13
TV stations
22
26
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
146
59
Bank institutions located here
37
14
Main business address for public companies
60
4
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Boston
Norfolk
1999
1,237
0
2000
1,140
0
2001
947
0
2002
975
0
2003
1,536
520
2004
2,273
804
2005
3,225
854
2006
3,567
929
2007
2,652
604
2008
1,372
223
2009
910
92
Culture and Food
Boston is known for historical sites, cultural institutions like the Boston Symphony, professional sports teams, and New England cuisine. Norfolk is renowned for its seafood, particularly Chesapeake Bay crabs and oysters, and a vibrant arts scene including the annual Tidewater Jazz Festival.
Sports Teams
Boston boasts many well-known professional sports teams, including the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. Norfolk, while it doesn't have a firm footing in major league sports, has minor league teams like the Norfolk Admirals in hockey and the Norfolk Tides in baseball.
Boston, MA
Norfolk, VA
Boston, MA and 
Norfolk, VA : 465.4 miles
