Is Austin, TX cheaper than Norfolk, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 0.0% cheaper than Norfolk, VA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Norfolk, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Norfolk, VA, you'd need approximately $150,000 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Norfolk, VA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 5.7% more expensive than in Norfolk, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Norfolk, VA to Austin, TX?

Norfolk, VA and Austin, TX have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Norfolk, VA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Norfolk, VA

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Norfolk, VA and Austin, TX have similar living costs

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Norfolk, VA

Population:238K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$309K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 238K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Norfolk, VA vs Austin, TX

Category	Norfolk, VA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $156more	5.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$541/mo	↓ $32.79less	5.7%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 5.7%

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$156

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Norfolk, VA

$632

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.7%

Norfolk, VA

$574

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$32.79

less

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$16.74

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Norfolk, VA

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,420

To$1,585

↑ $165

1 Bed

From$1,440

To$1,685

↑ $245

2 Bed

From$1,630

To$1,995

↑ $365

3 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,525

↑ $265

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,935

Monthly in Norfolk, VA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$63.03

Difference

Home Values

Norfolk

Austin

$309K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$249K - $469K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 80% more expensive than Norfolk

Calculate payment - Norfolk Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$697

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Norfolk, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.