City Comparison
Bremen vs Norfolk
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Norfolk scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Bremen
Norfolk
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Norfolk is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Bremen.
| Metric | Bremen | Norfolk | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,200 | $1,100 | +9% |
| Groceries | $400 | $414 | -3% |
| Utilities | $180 | $184 | -2% |
| Transport | $90 | $150 | -40% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $120 | +108% |
| Monthly Total | $2,120 | $1,968 | +8% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bremen offers 39% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bremen delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bremen is estimated at
$45,000 vs $23,000 in Norfolk.
| Metric | Bremen | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $50,000 | $35,980 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $23,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,556 idx | 39,109 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $58,884 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
For sunshine, Norfolk comes out ahead with 20 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Norfolk sees 11.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Bremen | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.60°F | 51.60°F |
| Summer High | 73.10°F | 82.60°F |
| Winter Low | 33.70°F | 14.90°F |
| Rainfall | 24.00 in | 27.40 in |
| Snowfall | 4.20 in | 15.60 in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | 271 |
| Humidity | 80.00% | 67.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Norfolk has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Bremen.
Bremen scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bremen leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bremen | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 70.0/100 | 20.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bremen is the larger city
— approximately 22.5x the population of Norfolk.
From a growth perspective, Norfolk is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Norfolk has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Bremen | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 586,271 | 26,054 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 1.30% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 37.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 2.70% |
| GDP | $43.0B | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bremen
Advantages
Bremen has a strong industrial base with key sectors like automotive and aerospace, offering diverse employment opportunities.
The cost of living in Bremen is moderate compared to other major German cities, making it an affordable option.
Bremen boasts a rich maritime heritage and a well-preserved historic city center, offering a unique cultural experience.
The city has a well-developed public transportation system and is also bike-friendly, facilitating easy movement.
Bremen is actively investing in innovation and digital technologies, positioning itself for future economic growth.
Drawbacks
Bremen has reported one of the highest crime rates in Germany, with a significant number of reported cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
The housing market faces challenges with strong demand and limited new construction, leading to rising rental prices.
While summers are warm, Bremen experiences a temperate climate with cold winters, including snowfall.
The city's dense urban structure and port activity contribute to traffic congestion.
Bremen's economy is heavily reliant on exports, making it susceptible to global economic fluctuations.
Norfolk
Advantages
Norfolk boasts a strong sense of community, fostering pride and unity among residents.
The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including tubing, trails, and a whitewater park.
Crime rates in Norfolk are significantly lower than the national average, contributing to a safe living environment. [cite: 12, 14, 23, 29, 35 from previous search]
The cost of living, particularly housing, is more affordable compared to the national average. [cite: 6 from previous search]
Commute times are notably shorter than the national average, enhancing daily convenience. [cite: 2, 19 from previous search, 35 from previous search]
Drawbacks
Compared to larger cities, Norfolk has limited entertainment options.
Wages have not fully kept pace with inflation, impacting family budgets.
Despite overall affordability, finding truly affordable housing can still be a challenge.
Some residents perceive a 'snobby' community mindset or a lack of motivation for change.
The city experienced an overall employment decline rate between 2023 and 2024. [cite: 2, 3 from previous search]
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Bremen
#83Bremen, Germany
56.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,200
Avg Salary
$50,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
70.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
51.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
70
Business
75
Norfolk
#31Nebraska, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$35,980
Cost Index
92
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
271/yr
Avg Temp
51.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.30%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
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