Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Norfolk, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.2% more expensive than Norfolk, VA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Norfolk, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Norfolk, VA, you'd need approximately $150,174.757 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Norfolk, VA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 2.2% more expensive than in Norfolk, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Norfolk, VA to Phoenix, AZ?

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

Norfolk, VA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Norfolk, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.56/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$175

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Norfolk, VA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Norfolk, VA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $80.35less	4.6%
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $59.77more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$561/mo	↓ $12.57less	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$80.35

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.2%

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$59.77

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Norfolk, VA

$632

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.2%

Norfolk, VA

$574

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$12.57

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Norfolk, VA

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,420

To$1,390

↓ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,440

To$1,510

↑ $70.00

2 Bed

From$1,630

To$1,750

↑ $120

3 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,330

↑ $70.00

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$132

Difference

Home Values

Norfolk

Phoenix

$309K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$249K - $469K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 34% more expensive than Norfolk

Calculate payment - Norfolk Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.