Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Jacksonville is 4% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $71,970 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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