Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Durham is 18% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,412/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 12%
$79,234/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 19%
$355,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 23%
$1,434/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 5%
288,465
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $15,217/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Durham or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Norfolk?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Norfolk?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $15,217/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Norfolk details →

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