Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 13% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $65,083 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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