Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Atlanta is 37% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,617/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 23%
$81,938/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 22%
$420,600 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 35%
$1,695/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 19%
499,287
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $17,921/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Atlanta or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Norfolk?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Norfolk?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $17,921/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Virginia?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Norfolk details →

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