Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Indianapolis is 7% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $69,697 in Indianapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Indiana salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Indianapolis has a housing index of 80 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Indianapolis costs $220,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Indianapolis versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Indianapolis scores 98 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Indianapolis (96) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Indianapolis is $49,968 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Indianapolis.
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