Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Madison is 16% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,364/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 9%
$76,983/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 17%
$346,900 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 22%
$1,476/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 7%
275,568
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $12,966/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Madison or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Norfolk?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Norfolk?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $12,966/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Virginia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Norfolk details →

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