Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
El Paso is 14% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $64,394 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: El Paso scores 95 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Norfolk (99).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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