Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Virginia Beach is 17% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,649/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 20%
$90,685/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 30%
$366,300 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 4%
$1,704/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 20%
457,066
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $26,785/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington 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 Wilmington?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Wilmington?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $26,785/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Wilmington details →

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