Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Virginia Beach, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.8% cheaper than Virginia Beach, VA. This translates to saving $437 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Virginia Beach, VA, you'd need approximately $144,757.282 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 9.5% cheaper than in Virginia Beach, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA.

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

Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $437 per month, or $5243 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Virginia Beach, VA vs Raleigh, 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 $437/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$437

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.2K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$512K

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Virginia Beach, VA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Virginia Beach, VA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $260less	9.5%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.9%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$601/mo	↓ $30.98less	4.9%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$546/mo	↓ $27.32less	4.8%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,284/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 9.5%

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$260

less

Other

↓ 2.9%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$50.22

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.9%

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.98

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$27.32

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,570

↓ $210

1 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,640

↓ $160

2 Bed

From$2,040

To$1,800

↓ $240

3 Bed

From$2,830

To$2,255

↓ $575

Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$2,120/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$368

Difference

Home Values

Virginia Beach

Raleigh

$447K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$318K - $640K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 14% more expensive than Virginia Beach

Calculate payment - Virginia Beach Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Virginia Beach, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, 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.