Cost of Living: Salem vs Virginia Beach (2026)
Virginia Beach has a 4% lower overall cost of living than Salem as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,450/mo in Salem vs $1,550/mo in Virginia Beach — a 6% difference. Virginia Beach has a lower state income tax rate (5.8% vs 9.9%), which adds up over time.
- Virginia Beach is 4% cheaper overall (COL index: 97 vs 93)
- 1BR rent: $1,450/mo in Salem vs $1,550/mo — 6% savings
- Higher median household income: Virginia Beach ($68,000/yr vs $57,000/yr)
- Median home price: $310,000 in Virginia Beach vs $380,000 — 18% difference
| Category | Salem Oregon | Virginia Beach Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,150Best | $1,200 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,450Best | $1,550 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,950Best | $2,000 |
| Median home price | $380K | $310KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 100 | 97Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14 | $13Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $56 | $55Best |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $72 | $48Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.80 | $3.15Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $160 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $125Best | $170 |
| Internet/mo | $63 | $60Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $57K | $68KBest |
| State income tax% | 9.9% | 5.8%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 0.0%Best | 6.0% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $40Best | $40 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97 | 93Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 42Best | 21 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem cheaper than Virginia Beach?
No. Virginia Beach is 4% cheaper than Salem based on overall cost of living indices (93 vs 97, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Salem vs Virginia Beach?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Salem is $1,450/month and in Virginia Beach is $1,550/month. Salem is cheaper by 6%.
How much do I need to earn in Virginia Beach to match a $75,000 salary in Salem?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $71,907/year in Virginia Beach to match a $75,000 salary in Salem. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Salem or Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach has the lower state income tax rate at 5.8% vs 9.9%. The difference is 4.1 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Salem to Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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