Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Houston and Norfolk have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 5%
$62,894/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 2%
$253,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 7%
$1,316/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 4%
2,300,419
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $1,123/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Houston or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Norfolk?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Norfolk?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $1,123/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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