Portsmouth, VA vs Roanoke, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Roanoke is 20.3% cheaper than Portsmouth. With a cost index of 76 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Roanoke to Portsmouth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Portsmouth is $1,266/month compared to $964/month in Roanoke — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Roanoke is more affordable at $180,500 median vs $229,400.

Median household income in Portsmouth is $58,972 compared to $52,671 in Roanoke (+12%). The higher salaries in Portsmouth partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Portsmouth spend roughly 25.8% of their income on rent, more than the 22% in Roanoke.