Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Grand Rapids is 8% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $68,939 in Grand Rapids.
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. Grand Rapids has a housing index of 78 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Grand Rapids costs $240,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Grand Rapids versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Grand Rapids scores 96 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Grand Rapids (98) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Grand Rapids is $49,982 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Grand Rapids.
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