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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Greensboro

North Carolina
76

Virginia Beach is 54% more expensive than Greensboro.

$1,649/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 32%
$90,685/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$58,884/yr ↓ 35%
$366,300 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$221,300 ↓ 40%
$1,704/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,107/mo ↓ 35%
457,066
Population
298,564

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
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Greensboro, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $535/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $6,420/year.

Median household income is $31,801/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $221,300 in Greensboro.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Greensboro — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Greensboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Greensboro?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Greensboro it's $1,114/month — a difference of $535/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Greensboro?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $58,884 in Greensboro. Median household income is $31,801/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 Greensboro?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Greensboro details →

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