Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Little Rock is 15% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $63,636 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arkansas salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Little Rock has a housing index of 62 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Little Rock costs $170,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $950 in Little Rock versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Little Rock scores 94 while Norfolk scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Little Rock (90) are lower than Norfolk (99).
Median household income in Little Rock is $47,638 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
Amazon affiliate links