Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Virginia Beach and Lowell have a similar cost of living.

$1,649/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 3%
$90,685/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 16%
$366,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 8%
$1,704/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 2%
457,066
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,480/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Lowell — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Lowell?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Lowell?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $14,480/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Lowell details →

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