Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Virginia Beach is 92% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,649/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 37%
$90,685/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 49%
$366,300 ↑ 204%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 67%
$1,704/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 41%
457,066
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $610/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,320/year.

Median household income is $44,057/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Rochester — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Rochester?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $610/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Rochester?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $44,057/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New York?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Rochester details →

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