Alexandria, VA vs Norfolk, VA

The cost of living difference between Alexandria, VA and Norfolk, VA is dramatic. Norfolk is 66.6% cheaper than Alexandria, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alexandria has a cost index of 157 while Norfolk sits at 94, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month compared to $1,246/month in Norfolk — a 63% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Norfolk is more affordable at $271,900 median vs $696,800.

Median household income in Alexandria is $113,638 compared to $64,017 in Norfolk (+77.5%). While Alexandria is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alexandria spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, less than the 23.4% in Norfolk.