Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Virginia Beach is 89% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,649/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 37%
$90,685/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 51%
$366,300 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 62%
$1,704/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 42%
457,066
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $602/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $7,224/year.

Median household income is $46,309/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Birmingham?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $602/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Birmingham?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $46,309/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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