Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Rochester is 5% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $71,212 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Norfolk has a housing index of 95 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Norfolk costs $250,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Norfolk versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Norfolk scores 99 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Norfolk (99) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Norfolk is $51,938 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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