Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Virginia Beach is 10% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,649/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 11%
$90,685/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 15%
$366,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 8%
$1,704/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 9%
457,066
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $13,270/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Manchester — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Manchester?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Manchester?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $13,270/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Hampshire?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Manchester details →

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