Moving from Norfolk to Houston (2026)

Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 90 for Norfolk (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 6% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$413 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
90 โ†’ 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400 โ†’ $1,350
per month
State tax
5.8% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
90 โ†’ 95
6% more expensive

Salary needed in Houston to match your Norfolk lifestyle

Based on the 6% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in NorfolkEquivalent in Houston
$40K$42,222
$50K$52,778
$60K$63,333
$75K$79,167
$80K$84,444
$100K$105,556
$120K$126,667
$150K$158,333

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$13/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Norfolk vs Houston

ExpenseNorfolkHouston
Monthly take-home$4,378$4,741
1BR rent$1,400$1,350
Groceries$365$357
Transport$55$90
Utilities$170$175
Internet$60$65
Left after essentials$2,328$2,704

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston cheaper than Norfolk?

No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 90 for Norfolk (100 = US average). That's about 6% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Norfolk to Houston?

On a $75K salary, moving from Norfolk to Houston saves roughly $413/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,956/year.

What salary do I need in Houston to match my Norfolk lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Norfolk, you'd need roughly $79,167/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only