Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Cleveland is 12% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $65,909 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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