Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Norfolk is 30% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,246/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 31%
$64,017/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
$271,900 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 73%
$1,366/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 24%
235,037
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $26,021/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Charleston — common questions

Is Norfolk or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Charleston?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Charleston?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $26,021/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Charleston details →

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