Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Baltimore is 28% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,290/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 28%
$59,623/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 52%
$219,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 67%
$1,333/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 28%
577,193
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Baltimore, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $31,062/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Baltimore or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $31,062/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Virginia?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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