Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Norfolk is 16% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $62,924 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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