Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Birmingham is 12% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $65,909 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Norfolk (99).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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