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

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Norfolk is 29% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,246/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 14%
$64,017/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 12%
$271,900 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 33%
$1,366/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 22%
235,037
Population
204,383

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $174/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,088/year.

Median household income is $7,395/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Columbus — common questions

Is Norfolk or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Columbus?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $174/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Columbus?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $7,395/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 Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Columbus details →

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