Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Norfolk is 7% more expensive than Athens.

$1,246/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 7%
$64,017/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 19%
$271,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$271,800 ≈ Same
$1,366/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 15%
235,037
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $12,362/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Athens — common questions

Is Norfolk or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Athens?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Athens?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $12,362/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Athens details →

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