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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Virginia Beach is 13% cheaper than Cary.

$1,649/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 2%
$90,685/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 43%
$366,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 43%
$1,704/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 2%
457,066
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $38,714/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Cary — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Cary?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Cary?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $38,714/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Cary details →

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