Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Charlotte is 5% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $71,429 in Charlotte.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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