Moving from Raleigh to Norfolk (2026)
Norfolk has a COL index of 90 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$295/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10190
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$1,400
per month
State tax
4.5%5.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,378
per month
Salary needed in Norfolk to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Norfolk |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,644 |
| $50K | $44,554 |
| $60K | $53,465 |
| $75K | $66,832 |
| $80K | $71,287 |
| $100K | $89,109 |
| $120K | $106,931 |
| $150K | $133,663 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Norfolk
| Expense | Raleigh | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $365 | $365 |
| Transport | $70 | $55 |
| Utilities | $150 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,328 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Norfolk cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Norfolk has a cost of living index of 90 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Norfolk?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Norfolk could save roughly $295/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,540/year.
What salary do I need in Norfolk to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $66,832/year in Norfolk. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Norfolk to RaleighRaleigh vs Norfolk — full comparisonRaleigh cost of livingNorfolk cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only