Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 5% more affordable than Charleston. A $75,000 salary in Charleston is equivalent to $71,591 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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