Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Raleigh is 6% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,468/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 12%
$82,424/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 10%
$377,800 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 3%
$1,487/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 15%
470,763
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $8,261/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Raleigh or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $8,261/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Virginia Beach details →

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