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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

24.4% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
37.2% 37.2% cheaper housing
10.0% 10.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 37.2% cheaper
Boston
172
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 10.0% cheaper
Boston
110
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
Boston
118
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 14.8% cheaper
Boston
115
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 10.7% cheaper
Boston
112
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index13510224.4% less
Housing17210837.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,35048.1% less
Median Home Price$700,000$340,00051.4% less
Groceries1109910.0% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1159814.8% less
Utilities11210010.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax9.00% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Boston675,647
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston 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 37.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Virginia Beach?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $360,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Virginia averages 0.74%.