Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 10% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $67,308 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while Virginia Beach scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Virginia Beach (99).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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