Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Minneapolis is 15% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,329/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 6%
$80,269/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 20%
$345,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 21%
$1,513/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 10%
426,845
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $16,252/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Norfolk?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Norfolk?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $16,252/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Virginia?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Norfolk details →

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