Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Norfolk is 64% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,246/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 101%
$64,017/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 152%
$271,900 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 342%
$1,366/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 89%
235,037
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,259/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $15,108/year.

Median household income is $97,283/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Norfolk or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Bellevue?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,259/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Bellevue?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $97,283/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Bellevue

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet