Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Norfolk is 8% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $68,750 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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