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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Norfolk is 35% cheaper than Allen.

$1,246/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 51%
$64,017/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 102%
$271,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 58%
$1,366/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 52%
235,037
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $65,113/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Allen — common questions

Is Norfolk or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Allen?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Allen?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $65,113/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Allen details →

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