Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Pittsburgh is 11% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $66,429 in Pittsburgh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Pittsburgh has a housing index of 79 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Pittsburgh costs $195,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Pittsburgh versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Pittsburgh scores 101 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Pittsburgh (95) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $52,536 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Pittsburgh.
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