Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Virginia Beach is 18% more expensive than Providence.

$1,649/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 19%
$90,685/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 26%
$366,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 12%
$1,704/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 14%
457,066
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.99%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $23,913/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Providence — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Providence?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Providence?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $23,913/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Rhode Island?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Providence details →

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