Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Virginia Beach is 9% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,649/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↓ 1%
$90,685/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
$366,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 28%
$1,704/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ≈ Same
457,066
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $647/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Charleston — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Charleston?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Charleston?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $647/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Charleston details →

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