Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Virginia Beach is 83% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,649/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 36%
$90,685/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 39%
$366,300 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 59%
$1,704/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 40%
457,066
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $590/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $7,080/year.

Median household income is $34,998/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Montgomery?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $590/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Montgomery?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $34,998/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Montgomery details →

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