Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Milwaukee is 7% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $69,697 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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