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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Norfolk is 25% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,246/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 11%
$64,017/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 2%
$271,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 34%
$1,366/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 18%
235,037
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $1,297/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Abilene — common questions

Is Norfolk or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Abilene?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Abilene?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,297/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Abilene

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland