Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Columbus is 7% cheaper than Norfolk.

$1,224/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 2%
$65,327/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 2%
$234,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 16%
$1,243/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 10%
906,480
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,310/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Columbus or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Norfolk?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Norfolk?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $1,310/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Virginia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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.
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