Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Norfolk is 11% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,246/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 5%
$64,017/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,900/yr ≈ Same
$271,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 29%
$1,366/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ≈ Same
235,037
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $117/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Norfolk or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Wilmington?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Wilmington?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $117/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Norfolk details → View Wilmington details →

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