Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Madison, WI (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Virginia Beach is 14% more expensive than Madison.

$1,649/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 17%
$90,685/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 15%
$366,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 5%
$1,704/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 13%
457,066
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $13,702/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Madison — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Madison?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Madison?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $13,702/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Wisconsin?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Madison details →

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