Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Virginia Beach is 4% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,649/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 11%
$90,685/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 30%
$366,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 7%
$1,704/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 9%
457,066
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $26,811/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $186/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $26,811/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Jersey?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Elizabeth details →

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