Is Virginia Beach, VA cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Virginia Beach, VA is 6.2% more expensive than Durham, NC. This translates to spending an extra $464 per month.

What salary do I need in Virginia Beach, VA to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $155,567.01 in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Virginia Beach, VA?

Housing in Virginia Beach, VA is 10.5% more expensive than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA?

Living in Virginia Beach, VA costs approximately $464 more per month than Durham, NC, or $5567 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Virginia Beach, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $464/month more in Virginia Beach, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.6K in Virginia Beach, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$464

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$411K

Virginia Beach, VA

Population:459K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$447K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K residents.

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 459K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Durham, NC vs Virginia Beach, VA

Category	Durham, NC	Virginia Beach, VA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,469/mo	$2,729/mo	↑ $260more	10.5%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,758/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$632/mo	↑ $30.98more	5.2%
All Utilities	$546/mo	$574/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 10.5%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Difference

$260

Other

↑ 2.9%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Difference

$50.22

Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Durham, NC

$601

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Difference

$30.98

All Utilities

↑ 5.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Difference

$27.32

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Durham, NC

$959

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,430

To$1,780

↑ $350

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,800

↑ $280

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$2,040

↑ $310

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,830

↑ $690

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$2,120/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$7,935

Monthly in Virginia Beach, VA

$368

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Virginia Beach

$411K

Median Value

$447K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.7%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +33.5%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$318K - $640K

Homes in Virginia Beach are 9% more expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Virginia Beach

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$104

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Virginia Beach, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Virginia Beach, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.