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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Virginia Beach, VA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

5.6% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
3.6% 3.6% cheaper housing
4.8% 4.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.6% cheaper
Baltimore
112
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 4.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 9.1% cheaper
Baltimore
110
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Baltimore
108
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index1081025.6% less
Housing1121083.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$220,000$340,00054.5% more
Groceries104994.8% less
Transportation1101009.1% less
Healthcare104985.8% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax5.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Virginia Beach outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Virginia Beach to maintain your Baltimore lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore and Virginia Beach → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Virginia Beach →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Virginia Beach is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or Virginia Beach?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Baltimore to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Baltimore is $58,000 compared to $76,000 in Virginia Beach. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Baltimore vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while Virginia averages 0.74%.