Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Norfolk is 18% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $61,364 in Norfolk.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Norfolk sits at 95 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $250,000 in Norfolk, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,300 in Norfolk.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Norfolk scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Norfolk (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $51,938 in Norfolk. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Norfolk.
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