Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
39% cheaper
Norfolk is 39% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $45,833 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Norfolk scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Norfolk (99).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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