Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Virginia Beach is 12% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,649/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 14%
$90,685/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 26%
$366,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 7%
$1,704/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 11%
457,066
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $23,141/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Worcester — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Worcester?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Worcester?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $23,141/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Worcester details →

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