True Cost of Renting in Norfolk, VA
Norfolk is home to Naval Station Norfolk — the world's largest naval base — making it the anchor of Hampton Roads' economy and rental market. The Ghent neighborhood offers one of Virginia's most walkable and culturally rich urban environments outside of Richmond, with Old Dominion University, a growing medical district, and the nationally recognized NEON arts district adding depth to a city that gets overlooked by coastal visitors.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Ghent
- Studio:
- $1,200/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,900/mo
Norfolk's premier neighborhood; walkable to Colonial Place, Colley Avenue restaurants, and the Chrysler Museum. Mix of historic apartments in rowhouses and newer buildings. Street parking generally available. The Tide light rail connects to Downtown Norfolk. Best walkability in Hampton Roads.
Downtown Norfolk / NEON
- Studio:
- $1,300/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,500/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,000/mo
Norfolk's revitalized downtown with NEON arts district, Granby Street corridor, and The Tide light rail. Newer apartments and loft conversions. Dominion Energy electric. On-site parking $75–100/mo.
Ocean View
- 1 Bed:
- $1,300/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,800/mo
Waterfront neighborhood on the Chesapeake Bay north of Naval Station Norfolk; lower rents than Ghent with beach access. Some flood risk in low-lying areas. Military families frequent this area for proximity to the base.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Dominion Energy Virginia
- Water
- City of Norfolk Public Utilities
- Internet
- Cox Communications, Verizon Fios, T-Mobile Home Internet
Commute & Transportation
Naval Station Norfolk's main gate on Hampton Boulevard is 5 miles from Ghent — a standard 10–15 minute commute. The Tide light rail runs from the Eastern Medical Center through ODU and Ghent to Downtown Norfolk — car-free commuting viable for these corridors. I-264 connects to Virginia Beach; the HRBT (I-64) connects to Hampton and Newport News. ODU (24,000 students) is adjacent to Ghent. Sentara Norfolk General and Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters are major healthcare employers near Downtown.
Rental Market Overview
Norfolk rents are supported by permanent naval employment but run below Virginia Beach for comparable quality — the Ghent walkability premium is offset by slightly lower overall price levels. BAH for E-5 with dependents (Hampton Roads area) runs $1,600–1,800/month. Dominion Energy bills average $100–160/month. The NEON arts district revitalization and continued ODU growth are driving new apartment investment Downtown. Renters insurance averages $15–22/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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