Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Norfolk, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Norfolk, VA. This translates to saving $437 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Norfolk, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Norfolk, VA, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Norfolk, VA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 9.5% cheaper than in Norfolk, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Norfolk, VA to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Norfolk, VA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Norfolk, VA vs Raleigh, NC: 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 save $437/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$512K

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Norfolk, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Norfolk, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $260less	9.5%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$546/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 9.5%

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↓ 2.9%

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$50.22

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Norfolk, VA

$632

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Norfolk, VA

$574

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Norfolk, VA

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🚗Transportation

→ 0.0%

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,420

To$1,570

↑ $150

1 Bed

From$1,440

To$1,640

↑ $200

2 Bed

From$1,630

To$1,800

↑ $170

3 Bed

From$2,260

To$2,255

↓ $5.00

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$368

Difference

Home Values

Norfolk

Raleigh

$309K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +28.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$249K - $469K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 65% more expensive than Norfolk

Calculate payment - Norfolk Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.