Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 31% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $51,809 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Virginia Beach has a housing index of 112 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Virginia Beach costs $310,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Virginia Beach versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Virginia Beach scores 100 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Virginia Beach (99) are lower than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Virginia Beach is $73,418 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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