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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Virginia Beach is 51% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,649/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 66%
$90,685/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 39%
$366,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 184%
$1,704/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 55%
457,066
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,093/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $13,116/year.

Median household income is $35,784/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Cambridge?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,093/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Cambridge?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $35,784/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Cambridge details →

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