Salary Needed to Live in Norfolk as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $58,948/year to live comfortably in Norfolk, VA, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $58,948/year to live comfortably in Norfolk, VA. The bare-minimum salary is $51,088/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,602.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,193/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,912/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$58,948
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$51,088
$4,257/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,193
11% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Norfolk
| Expense | Norfolk | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $925 | $1,351 | -32% |
| Groceries | $287 | $207 | +39% |
| Utilities | $157 | $169 | -7% |
| Transportation | $353 | $316 | +12% |
| Car Insurance | $201 | $223 | -10% |
| Health Insurance | $651 | $672 | -3% |
| Internet | $62 | $65 | -5% |
| Phone | $82 | $85 | -4% |
| Dining & Social | $288 | $300 | -4% |
| Entertainment | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Personal Care | $72 | $75 | -4% |
| Total Monthly | $3,193 | $3,583 | -11% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,193
Target savings (10%):$409/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,602
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$58,948
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$925
Studio/1BR rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus VA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$409/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
96/100
Norfolk is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $925/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $619/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $51,088/year as the survival floor and $58,948/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Norfolk
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Norfolk?
A single person needs approximately $58,948/year ($4,912/month gross) to live comfortably in Norfolk with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Norfolk?
A studio/1br in Norfolk costs approximately $925/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is Norfolk affordable for a single person?
Yes, Norfolk is 11% more affordable than the national average for a single person.