Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 5% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $71,591 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Providence scores 105 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Virginia Beach (99).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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