Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Norfolk is 9% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $68,119 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Norfolk has a housing index of 95 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Norfolk costs $250,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Norfolk versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Norfolk scores 99 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Norfolk (99) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Norfolk is $51,938 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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