Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Durham is 4% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $72,143 in Durham.
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. Durham has a housing index of 104 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Durham costs $340,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Durham versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Durham scores 100 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Durham (108) are higher than Virginia Beach (99).
Median household income in Durham is $57,738 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Durham.
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