Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

New York is 42% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,779/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 7%
$79,713/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 14%
$751,700 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 51%
$1,837/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 7%
8,516,202
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $10,972/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is New York 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 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $10,972/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between New York and Virginia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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.
View New York details → View Virginia Beach details →

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