Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Des Moines is 10% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $67,424 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Des Moines scores 96 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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