Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Boston is 50% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$2,093/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 21%
$94,755/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↓ 4%
$710,400 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 48%
$2,176/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 22%
663,972
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $4,070/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Boston or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $4,070/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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