Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Norfolk is 7% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $69,393 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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