Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Virginia Beach is 65% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,649/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
$90,685/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 36%
$366,300 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 43%
$1,704/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 39%
457,066
Population
250,887

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $33,012/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $33,012/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 Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Winston-Salem details →

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