Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
40% cheaper
Norfolk is 40% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $44,729 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $600,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Norfolk scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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