Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Louisville is 8% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $68,939 in Louisville.
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. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Louisville scores 96 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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