Is Norfolk, VA cheaper than Richmond, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Norfolk, VA is 3.0% more expensive than Richmond, VA. This translates to spending an extra $225 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Richmond, VA, you'd need approximately $152,700 in Norfolk, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Richmond, VA and Norfolk, VA?

Housing in Norfolk, VA is 7.1% more expensive than in Richmond, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,630/month in Norfolk, VA compared to $1,710/month in Richmond, VA.

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

Living in Norfolk, VA costs approximately $225 more per month than Richmond, VA, or $2700 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Richmond, VA vs Norfolk, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Richmond, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $225/month more in Norfolk, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.7K in Norfolk, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Richmond, VA area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$225

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.7K

Per year

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

Richmond, VA

Population:230K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$350K

Norfolk, VA

Population:238K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$309K

Richmond, VA

The Old Dominion State

230K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 230K residents.

Norfolk, VA

The Old Dominion State

238K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Richmond, VA vs Norfolk, VA

Category	Richmond, VA	Norfolk, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,547/mo	$2,729/mo	↑ $182more	7.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$574/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$632/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,758/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 7.1%

Richmond, VA

$2,547

Norfolk, VA

$2,729

Difference

$182

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$959

Norfolk, VA

$959

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$1,284

Norfolk, VA

$1,284

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$574

Norfolk, VA

$574

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$632

Norfolk, VA

$632

Difference

same

Other

→ 0.0%

Richmond, VA

$1,758

Norfolk, VA

$1,758

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,490

To$1,420

↓ $70.00

1 Bed

From$1,560

To$1,440

↓ $120

2 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,630

↓ $80.00

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,260

↑ $120

Richmond, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,920/mo

Norfolk, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,760/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.

$7,753

Monthly in Richmond, VA

$7,935

Monthly in Norfolk, VA

$182

Difference

Home Values

Richmond

Norfolk

$350K

Median Value

$309K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.2%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.5%

$234K - $619K

Price Range

$249K - $469K

Homes in Norfolk are 12% less expensive than Richmond

Calculate payment - Richmond Calculate payment - Norfolk

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Richmond, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Richmond, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Norfolk, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

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.