Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Louisville is 13% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $65,000 in Louisville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Louisville scores 96 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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