Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 35% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $48,611 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Virginia Beach scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Virginia Beach (99).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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