Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Birmingham is 17% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $62,143 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Birmingham scores 96 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Virginia Beach (99).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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