Is Greensboro, NC cheaper than Virginia Beach, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Greensboro, NC is 13.6% cheaper than Virginia Beach, VA. This translates to saving $1019 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Virginia Beach, VA, you'd need approximately $137,766.99 in Greensboro, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Greensboro, NC is 21.9% cheaper than in Virginia Beach, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,400/month in Greensboro, NC compared to $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA.

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

Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Greensboro, NC could save you approximately $1019 per month, or $12233 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Virginia Beach, VA vs Greensboro, NC: 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 Virginia Beach, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Greensboro, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.8K in Greensboro, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,019

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.2K

Per year

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

Virginia Beach, VA

Population:459K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$447K

Greensboro, NC

Population:302K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$229K

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Greensboro, NC

The Tar Heel State

302K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 302K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Virginia Beach, VA vs Greensboro, NC

Category	Virginia Beach, VA	Greensboro, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,131/mo	↓ $598less	21.9%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $184less	10.5%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $81.96less	6.4%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$519/mo	↓ $54.64less	9.5%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 21.9%

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Greensboro, NC

$2,131

Difference

$598

less

Other

↓ 10.5%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Greensboro, NC

$1,574

Difference

$184

less

Transportation

↓ 6.4%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Greensboro, NC

$1,202

Difference

$81.96

less

All Utilities

↓ 9.5%

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Greensboro, NC

$519

Difference

$54.64

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Greensboro, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Greensboro, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,220

↓ $560

1 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,280

↓ $520

2 Bed

From$2,040

To$1,400

↓ $640

3 Bed

From$2,830

To$1,790

↓ $1,040

Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$2,120/mo

Greensboro, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070–$1,600/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.

$7,935

Monthly in Virginia Beach, VA

$6,986

Monthly in Greensboro, NC

$949

Difference

Home Values

Virginia Beach

Greensboro

$447K

Median Value

$229K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.9%

$318K - $640K

Price Range

$179K - $364K

Homes in Greensboro are 49% less expensive than Virginia Beach

Calculate payment - Virginia Beach Calculate payment - Greensboro

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

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

Greensboro, 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

Additional Tax Information

Virginia Beach, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Greensboro, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.