Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Lexington is 6% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $70,455 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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