Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Syracuse is 7% more affordable than Norfolk. A $75,000 salary in Norfolk is equivalent to $69,697 in Syracuse.
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 Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Norfolk costs $250,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Norfolk versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Norfolk scores 99 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Norfolk (99) are lower than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Norfolk is $51,938 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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