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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

18.6% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
54.3% 54.3% more expensive housing
7.6% 7.6% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 54.3% more
Memphis
70
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 7.6% more
Memphis
92
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Memphis
96
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.9% more
Memphis
90
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Memphis
98
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index8610218.6% more
Housing7010854.3% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,35042.1% more
Median Home Price$165,000$340,000106.1% more
Groceries92997.6% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare90988.9% more
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Virginia Beach, VA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
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 Memphis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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

Memphis vs Austin → Memphis vs Denver → Memphis vs Nashville → Virginia Beach vs Raleigh → Virginia Beach vs Portland → Virginia Beach vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 54.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Virginia Beach?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Memphis to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Virginia averages 0.74%.