Moving from Durham to Virginia Beach (2026)
Virginia Beach has a COL index of 93 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Virginia Beach to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Virginia Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,471 |
| $50K | $45,588 |
| $60K | $54,706 |
| $75K | $68,382 |
| $80K | $72,941 |
| $100K | $91,176 |
| $120K | $109,412 |
| $150K | $136,765 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Virginia Beach
| Expense | Durham | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $372 | $369 |
| Transport | $82 | $48 |
| Utilities | $155 | $170 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,181 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia Beach cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 93 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Virginia Beach?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Virginia Beach could save roughly $224/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,688/year.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $68,382/year in Virginia Beach. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only