Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Columbia is 3% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $72,727 in Columbia.
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. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Columbia.
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