Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Norfolk is 7% more affordable than Minneapolis. A $75,000 salary in Minneapolis is equivalent to $70,047 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Minneapolis has a housing index of 112 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Minneapolis costs $310,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Minneapolis versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Minneapolis scores 104 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Minneapolis (105) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Minneapolis is $64,285 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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