Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Denver is 65% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,770/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 30%
$91,681/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 54%
$1,839/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 26%
713,734
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $524/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $6,288/year.

Median household income is $27,664/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Denver or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Norfolk?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $524/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Norfolk?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $27,664/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Virginia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Norfolk details →

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