Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
41% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 41% more affordable than Cambridge. A $75,000 salary in Cambridge is equivalent to $44,242 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. Cambridge has a housing index of 280 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Cambridge costs $890,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $580,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in Cambridge versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Cambridge scores 110 while Virginia Beach scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Cambridge (118) are higher than Virginia Beach (99).
Median household income in Cambridge is $103,154 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
Amazon affiliate links