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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

4.1% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
3.8% 3.8% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.8% more
Raleigh
104
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Raleigh
97
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Raleigh
100
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index981024.1% more
Housing1041083.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$385,000$340,00011.7% less
Groceries97992.1% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax4.50%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Virginia Beach costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Virginia Beach?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Virginia averages 0.74%.