Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Seattle is 120% more expensive than Norfolk.

$1,998/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↓ 38%
$121,984/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 48%
$912,100 ↑ 235%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 70%
$2,220/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 38%
741,440
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $752/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $9,024/year.

Median household income is $57,967/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Seattle or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Norfolk?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $752/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Norfolk?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $57,967/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Norfolk details →

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