Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Norfolk is 37% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,246/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 40%
$64,017/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 34%
$271,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 102%
$1,366/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 27%
235,037
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $21,772/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Norfolk or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Lakewood?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Lakewood?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $21,772/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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