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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Virginia Beach is 21% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,649/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 15%
$90,685/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 5%
$366,300 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 46%
$1,704/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 18%
457,066
Population
289,691

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
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $4,128/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Jersey City?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Jersey City?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $4,128/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Jersey City details →

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