Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in the City of Norfolk , Virginia

The City of Norfolk has a HUD fair market rent of $1,667 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,321 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.06 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here

The simple kitchen of an apartment, with an electric stove, a refrigerator and wood cabinets.

Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,667; a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027; 7% less than in Virginia
Typical rent: $1,321; a month, Census, Average 2020–2024; 16% less than in Virginia
Wage needed: $32.06; an hour, 2 bedrooms; Or $66,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households: 55%; spend 30% or more of income on rent; 13% more than in Virginia

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (external site)

Only here

Renting in the City of Norfolk: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

At 46%, the City of Norfolk ranks 11th among the 133 places in Virginia for the lowest homeownership rate.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in the City of Norfolk. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in the City of Norfolk was $1,749 a month in September 2026: 7% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).

Fair market rent and wage needed. To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size	Fair rent per month	Hourly wage	Income needed per year
Studio	$1,470	$28.27	$58,800
1 bedroom	$1,488	$28.62	$59,520
2 bedrooms	$1,667	$32.06	$66,680
3 bedrooms	$2,298	$44.19	$91,920
4 bedrooms	$2,710	$52.12	$108,400

HUD area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 14 ZIP codes in the City of Norfolk (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 23523 to $2,360 in 23511. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,667).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Fair market rent by ZIP code and size, Fiscal year 2027. HUD area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC.

23502	$1,370	$1,380	$1,550	$2,140	$2,520
23503	$1,350	$1,370	$1,530	$2,110	$2,490
23504	$1,240	$1,260	$1,410	$1,940	$2,290
23505	$1,410	$1,430	$1,600	$2,210	$2,600
23507	$1,460	$1,480	$1,660	$2,290	$2,700
23508	$1,450	$1,460	$1,640	$2,260	$2,670
23509	$1,380	$1,390	$1,560	$2,150	$2,540
23510	$1,650	$1,670	$1,870	$2,580	$3,040
23511	$2,080	$2,110	$2,360	$3,250	$3,840
23513	$1,350	$1,370	$1,530	$2,110	$2,490
23517	$1,430	$1,450	$1,620	$2,230	$2,630
23518	$1,440	$1,450	$1,630	$2,250	$2,650
23523	$1,230	$1,250	$1,400	$1,930	$2,280
23551	$1,610	$1,630	$1,830	$2,520	$2,970

ZIP code 2 bd3 bd
23502 $1,550$2,140
23503 $1,530$2,110
23504 $1,410$1,940
23505 $1,600$2,210
23507 $1,660$2,290
23508 $1,640$2,260
23509 $1,560$2,150
23510 $1,870$2,580
23511 $2,360$3,250
23513 $1,530$2,110
23517 $1,620$2,230
23518 $1,630$2,250
23523 $1,400$1,930
23551 $1,830$2,520

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Norfolk, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

55%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

50,965 households rent in the City of Norfolk

Spend half or more of their income 27%
Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
Spend less than 30% 45%

Compared with the state and the country

Norfolk 55%
Virginia 49%
United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in the City of Norfolk

with tax credits (LIHTC): 35
HUD-assisted: 22
public housing: 15

7,451 homes in all; 6,989 of them low-income, according to HUD.

Young Park Public housing 201 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk 23510 752 homes, 744 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $396 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (757) 623-1111
Mariners Watch Tax credit (LIHTC) 549 Mariners Way, Norfolk 23503 434 low-income homes · 2 bd: 240 · 3 bd: 194 · In service since 1999 · For families
Calvert Public housing 921 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk 23504 310 homes, 308 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $403 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (757) 623-1111
Arbor Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 502 Grantham Rd, Norfolk 23505 308 low-income homes · 1 bd: 40 · 2 bd: 268 · In service since 1998 · For families
Grandy Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 3151 Kimball Ter, Norfolk 23504 275 homes, 271 low-income · In service since 2011 · For families
Oakleaf Park Public housing 1712 Green Leaf Dr, Norfolk 23523 257 homes, 256 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $432 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (757) 623-1111
Braywood Manor HUD-assisted 7000 Auburn Ave, Norfolk 23513 238 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 857-4496
Cromwell House Tax credit (LIHTC) 114 Cromwell Pkwy, Norfolk 23505 205 low-income homes · 1 bd: 183 · 2 bd: 22 · In service since 2015 · For older adults
Lakewood Plaza HUD-assisted 5631 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk 23509 200 homes, 191 low-income · For older adults · (757) 857-5445
Lexington Park Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1225 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk 23504 180 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families · (757) 625-3108
Quill Tax credit (LIHTC) 5424 Greenplain Rd, Norfolk 23502 180 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 114 · In service since 2015 · For families
Granby House HUD-assisted 100 Suburban Pkwy, Norfolk 23505 154 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 583-6330
Suburban House HUD-assisted 110 Suburban Pkwy, Norfolk 23505 154 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 588-6256
Cogic High Rise Apartments HUD-assisted 2412 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk 23504 150 homes, 148 low-income · For older adults · (757) 622-2513
Mission College I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1318 Lead St, Norfolk 23504 260 homes, 130 low-income · In service since 2011 · For families
Bell Diamond Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1009 Middlesex St, Norfolk 23523 128 low-income homes · 2 bd: 58 · 3 bd: 70 · In service since 2017 · For families · (757) 543-5066
Sumler Terrace Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 720 Appomattox St, Norfolk 23523 126 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 38 · 3 bd: 38 · 4 bd: 18 · In service since 2018 · For families · (757) 962-6561
Tucker House Apartments HUD-assisted 7700 Armfield Ave, Norfolk 23505 126 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 489-7770
ST. Pauls Tax credit (LIHTC) 494 Saint Pauls Blvd, Norfolk 23510 126 homes, 120 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 80 · 3 bd: 26 · In service since 2019 · For families
Pointe at Pickett Farms Tax credit (LIHTC) 5424 Greenplain Rd, Norfolk 23502 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 18 · 2 bd: 72 · In service since 2015 · For families
Southwind Tax credit (LIHTC) 7840 Dallas St, Norfolk 23505 120 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families
Robert Partrea Public housing 701 Easy St, Norfolk 23505 114 low-income homes · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $388 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (757) 623-1111
Calvary Towers HUD-assisted 850 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk 23504 112 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 446-0850
Riverpoint Tax credit (LIHTC) 452 Painter St, Norfolk 23505 220 homes, 110 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 164 · In service since 2000 · For families
Diggs PRK Public housing 1758 Vernon Dr, Norfolk 23523 103 homes, 101 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 18 months · (757) 623-1111
Franklin Arms Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 E Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk 23504 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 88 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
Parkwood Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1405 Meads Rd, Norfolk 23505 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 52 · In service since 1996 · For families
Huntersville Public housing 825 Goff St, Norfolk 23504 91 low-income homes · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $357 a month · Average wait: 9 months · (757) 623-1111
Archers Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 261 Suburban Pkwy, Norfolk 23505 212 homes, 85 low-income · In service since 1994 · For families
Campostella at Clairmont I Tax credit (LIHTC) 851 Cedar St, Norfolk 23523 84 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 54 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2017 · For families
Eulalie Bobbitt Public housing 5920 Poplar Hall Dr, Norfolk 23502 84 low-income homes · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $395 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (757) 623-1111
Villa Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 2804 Waverly Way, Norfolk 23504 81 low-income homes · 2 bd: 81 · In service since 2003 · For families
Church Street Station Studios Tax credit (LIHTC) 2016 Church St, Norfolk 23504 80 low-income homes · Studio: 80 · In service since 2018 · For families
Campostella at Clairmont II Tax credit (LIHTC) 851 Cedar St, Norfolk 23523 68 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2017 · For families
Berkley Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 7139 Sewells Point Rd, Norfolk 23513 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001 · For families
Gosnold Sro Tax credit (LIHTC) 2425 Gosnold Ave, Norfolk 23517 60 low-income homes · Studio: 60 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
Village Pointe Apartments HUD-assisted 1220 38th St, Norfolk 23508 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (757) 423-8100
Marshall Manor III Tax credit (LIHTC) 1375 Roberts Rd, Norfolk 23504 58 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 19 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For families
Marshall Manor II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1363 Kenton Ave, Norfolk 23504 67 homes, 56 low-income · In service since 2005 · For families
Broad Creek PhaseII/MM Phase II Public housing 1368 Herbert Collins Way, Norfolk 23504 66 homes, 56 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $713 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (757) 623-1111
Bowling Green IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 1429 Godfrey Ave, Norfolk 23504 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2006 · For families
Broad Creek Phase IV/BG Phase IV Public housing 1449 Godfrey Ave, Norfolk 23504 50 low-income homes · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $732 a month · Average wait: 26 months · Homes at several sites · (757) 623-1111
Broad Creek Phase V Tax credit (LIHTC) 2500 Joe Austin Dr, Norfolk 23504 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 16 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2018 · For families
Broad Creek Phase V Public housing 2508 Joe Austin Dr, Norfolk 23504 50 low-income homes · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $765 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (757) 623-1111
The Banks at Berkley Tax credit (LIHTC) 701 S Main St, Norfolk 23523 50 low-income homes · 2 bd: 39 · 3 bd: 11 · In service since 2018 · For families
Cottage Bridge Midrise Tax credit (LIHTC) 7408 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk 23505 47 low-income homes · 2 bd: 43 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities
Broad Creek Phase III/MM Phase III Public housing 1372 Kenton Ave, Norfolk 23504 58 homes, 46 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $808 a month · Average wait: 25 months · Homes at several sites · (757) 623-1111
Bowling Green III Tax credit (LIHTC) 3260 Woodland Ave, Norfolk 23504 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 17 · 4 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For families
Annetta M. Lane Apartments HUD-assisted 2734 Gate House Rd, Norfolk 23504 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 622-2386
Colonial Hall Apts. HUD-assisted 3412 Colonial Ave, Norfolk 23508 40 low-income homes · For families · (757) 853-5240
Oak Park (NORFOLK) Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1500 Berkley Avenue Ext, Norfolk 23523 40 low-income homes · In service since 2009 · For families · (757) 625-3108
Grace Place HUD-assisted 2735 Corprew Ave, Norfolk 23504 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (757) 627-8552
Village Gardens HUD-assisted 1225 W 39th St, Norfolk 23508 40 homes, 39 low-income · For older adults · (757) 440-4180
Broad Creek Phase IV/MM Phase IV Public housing 1416 Norchester Ave, Norfolk 23504 38 low-income homes · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $659 a month · Average wait: 24 months · Homes at several sites · (757) 623-1111
Marshall Manor IV Tax credit (LIHTC) 2814 E Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk 23504 38 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2006 · For families
Broad Creek Phase III/BG Phase III Public housing 3058 Beachmont Ave, Norfolk 23504 45 homes, 35 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $720 a month · Homes at several sites · (757) 623-1111
Broad Creek Phase II/BG Phase II Public housing 3032 Woodland Ave, Norfolk 23504 43 homes, 29 low-income · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · Average payment: $701 a month · Average wait: 32 months · (757) 623-1111
South Hampton Roads Apartments HUD-assisted 112 Cromwell Pkwy, Norfolk 23505 25 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 587-3414
Colonial Tax credit (LIHTC) 131 Hough Ave, Norfolk 23523 6 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · In service since 1990 · For families
Moultrie Drive HUD-assisted 1408 Moultrie Ave, Norfolk 23509 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Moultrie Drive HUD-assisted 1410 Moultrie Ave, Norfolk 23509 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
Thole Street Group Home HUD-assisted 170 Thole St, Norfolk 23505 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 489-3958
1233 Maltby Ave Tax credit (LIHTC) 1233 Maltby Ave, Norfolk 23504 4 low-income homes · In service since 1991
Bertha Street HUD-assisted 3501 Bertha St, Norfolk 23513 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 468-7000
Kennon Avenue HUD-assisted 2504 Kennon Ave, Norfolk 23513 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 468-7000
859 Lexington ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 859 Lexington St, Norfolk 23504 2 low-income homes · In service since 1988
828 S Main ST Tax credit (LIHTC) 828 S Main St, Norfolk 23523 1 low-income home · In service since 1988
Young Park Public housing 1343 Herbert Collins Way, Norfolk 23504 1 home · Run by Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority · (757) 623-1111

4 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map

How to apply

For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information. Source: HUD
You apply for public housing at the housing agency that runs it. The agency looks at your yearly income, whether you are a family, an older adult or a person with a disability, and your U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. If you qualify, your name goes on a waiting list unless they can help you right away. Source: HUD
In tax-credit (LIHTC) apartments, the low-income homes have an income limit, a percentage of the area median income, and a rent cap. Source: 26 U.S.C. §42(g)
In buildings with Section 8 project-based assistance, only low-income households can move in. Source: 24 CFR §5.653(b)
A housing voucher (Section 8) is a separate kind of help: you apply at the public housing agency and use it to rent a home you choose. Source: HUD

This county's income limits Search HUD's map

In public housing, the average payment is what households pay on average for rent and utilities, and the average wait is the time on the list of those who moved in. HUD does not publish those figures where fewer than 11 households reported.

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in the City of Norfolk

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in the City of Norfolk. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured

HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.

HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area.
People	Extremely low (30%)	Very low (50%)	Low
1 person	$22,650	$37,700	$60,350
2 people	$25,850	$43,100	$68,950
3 people	$29,100	$48,500	$77,550
4 people	$33,000	$53,850	$86,150
5 people	$38,680	$58,200	$93,050
6 people	$44,360	$62,500	$99,950
7 people	$50,040	$66,800	$106,850
8 people	$55,720	$71,100	$113,750

Area median income: $107,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

Studio $1,323 – $1,617
1 bedroom $1,339 – $1,637
2 bedrooms $1,500 – $1,834
3 bedrooms $2,068 – $2,528
4 bedrooms $2,439 – $2,981

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 5,464 vouchers · 2,048 public housing units (757) 623-1111 Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority: sbowden@nrha.us

Housing agencies in Virginia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in Virginia

What Virginia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

How much can they charge for a deposit?: Up to 2 months of rent; Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
When must they return my deposit?: 45 days; Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?: 14 days; Va. Code §55.1-1245(F)
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?: 30 days; Va. Code §55.1-1253(A)

Only a court order can remove youVa. Code §55.1-1252
Protection from retaliationVa. Code §55.1-1258(A)
Repair and deduct from the rentVa. Code §55.1-1244.1(C)

Help

Where to get help with rent in the City of Norfolk

These HUD-approved agencies have offices in the City of Norfolk. They counsel for free or at low cost.

CV
Credit.org - Virginia Branch

999 Waterside Dr, Norfolk · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 4 more
(800) 431-8157
CF
Child & Family Services of Eastern Virginia, Inc. D/B/A the Up Center

222 W 19th St, Norfolk
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
(757) 622-7017
HR
HOMENET (Norfolk RHA)

555 E Main St, Norfolk
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
(757) 314-4202

See every agency in Virginia Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in the City of Norfolk. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in Virginia, the average home bill was $149 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

State

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Monthly rentHUD fair market rent$HUD two-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) in the City of Norfolk (FY2027). Enter the rent of the home you want.What you can set aside each month$To see how long it takes to put it together.

Adjust advanced details

Deposit and rent in advance

The deposit, in

Months of rentDollars

Months of rent for the depositThat is $1,667. We start with an example; enter what you are asked for.Pay the first month before moving inThey also ask for the last month

Application fees$What each application charges, for all the ones you'll fill out.Utility deposits and connection$Electricity, gas, water and internet. Ask each company.The move$Planning example, not a price: $100 to $400 to rent a truck for a day for a move within your city. Get quotes.Pet deposit$Other costs$Boxes, locks, basic furniture.

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,334

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month: $1,667
Security deposit: $1,667
Total: $3,334

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.

Guide: the security deposit Guide: avoiding rental scams Family budget How much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in the City of Norfolk?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,470; 1 bedroom: $1,488; 2 bedrooms: $1,667; 3 bedrooms: $2,298; 4 bedrooms: $2,710. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in the City of Norfolk?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,667) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.06 an hour full time, or $66,680 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in the City of Norfolk?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,850 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in the City of Norfolk?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,500 and $1,834 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in the City of Norfolk?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,400 in 23523 to $2,360 in 23511. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Norfolk?

HUD lists 68 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Norfolk: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in the City of Norfolk?

Sources and methodology

Fair market rents and income limits come from HUD; typical rent and the burden, from the Census. The wage needed is our calculation: fair market rent × 12 ÷ 30% ÷ full-time hours a year. The voucher rules were read in their official text on the date shown.

Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Small Area Fair Market Rents Fiscal year 2027
Low-income apartments Retrieved November 6, 2026
American Community Survey Average 2020–2024
Income Limits Fiscal year 2026
Public Housing Agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Retrieved November 6, 2026

Program rules

24 CFR §888.113, Fair market rents for existing housing: Methodology Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.503, Payment standard areas, schedule, and amounts Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §5.603, Definitions (income) Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.201, Eligibility and targeting Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.1, Programs: purpose and structure Verified October 30, 2026
24 CFR §982.508, Maximum family share at initial occupancy Verified October 30, 2026
HUD, Housing Choice Voucher Tenants Verified October 30, 2026

Renting in the City of Norfolk , Virginia

Four numbers to start with

Renting in the City of Norfolk: what sets it apart

What HUD sets for each size

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

How many households spend too much

Compared with the state and the country

Low-income apartments in the City of Norfolk

The Section 8 voucher in the City of Norfolk

The rules, with their source

Possible payment standard

Housing agencies that serve this place

Your rights as a tenant in Virginia

Where to get help with rent in the City of Norfolk

How much cash do you need to move in?

Your move

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in the City of Norfolk?

How much do you need to earn to rent in the City of Norfolk?

Who qualifies for Section 8 in the City of Norfolk?

How much does Section 8 pay in the City of Norfolk?

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in the City of Norfolk?

How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Norfolk?

How many households spend too much on rent in the City of Norfolk?