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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Virginia Beach is 11% more expensive than Durham.

$1,649/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 14%
$90,685/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 13%
$366,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 3%
$1,704/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 16%
457,066
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $11,451/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Durham — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Durham?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Durham?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $11,451/year higher in Virginia Beach.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Durham details →

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