Norfolk, VA vs Seattle, WA

The cost of living difference between Norfolk, VA and Seattle, WA is dramatic. Norfolk is 46.1% cheaper than Seattle, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Norfolk has a cost index of 94 while Seattle sits at 175, 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 Norfolk is $1,246/month compared to $1,998/month in Seattle — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Norfolk is more affordable at $271,900 median vs $912,100.

Median household income in Norfolk is $64,017 compared to $121,984 in Seattle (-47.5%). While Seattle is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Norfolk spend roughly 23.4% of their income on rent, more than the 19.7% in Seattle.