Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Virginia Beach is 29% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,649/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 17%
$90,685/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 31%
$366,300 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 27%
$1,704/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 23%
457,066
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $27,896/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and North Charleston?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or North Charleston?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $27,896/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View North Charleston details →

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