Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Detroit is 10% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $67,424 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) match Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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