Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Norfolk is 27% more expensive than Des Moines.

$1,246/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↓ 15%
$64,017/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,966/yr ≈ Same
$271,900 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$183,700 ↓ 32%
$1,366/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↓ 17%
235,037
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $51/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Norfolk or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Des Moines?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Des Moines?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $51/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Iowa?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Des Moines details →

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