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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Virginia Beach is 17% more expensive than Newark.

$1,649/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 19%
$90,685/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 47%
$366,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 8%
$1,704/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 17%
457,066
Population
307,188

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
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $42,269/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Newark — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Newark?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Newark?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $42,269/year higher in Virginia Beach.
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 Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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