Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Norfolk is 41% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,246/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 45%
$64,017/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 77%
$271,900 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 121%
$1,366/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 43%
235,037
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $49,379/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Arvada — common questions

Is Norfolk or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Arvada?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Arvada?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $49,379/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Arvada details →

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