Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Norfolk is 10% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $67,500 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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