Is Virginia Beach, VA cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Virginia Beach, VA is 6.2% more expensive than Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC and Virginia Beach, VA?

Housing in Virginia Beach, VA is 10.5% more expensive than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

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

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

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Raleigh, 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.

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$512K

Virginia Beach, VA

Population:459K

Cost Index:

106

(6% above avg)

Median Home:$447K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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: Raleigh, NC vs Virginia Beach, VA

Category	Raleigh, 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%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Difference

$260

Other

↑ 2.9%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Difference

$50.22

Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Difference

$30.98

All Utilities

↑ 5.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Difference

$27.32

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,570

To$1,780

↑ $210

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,800

↑ $160

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,040

↑ $240

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$2,830

↑ $575

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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 Raleigh, NC

$7,935

Monthly in Virginia Beach, VA

$368

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Virginia Beach

$512K

Median Value

$447K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.7%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +33.5%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$318K - $640K

Homes in Virginia Beach are 13% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh 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

Raleigh, 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

Raleigh, 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.