Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Chicago is 12% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,380/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 10%
$75,134/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 15%
$315,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 14%
$1,502/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 9%
2,707,648
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $11,117/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Chicago or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Norfolk?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Norfolk?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $11,117/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Norfolk details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Norfolk

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita