Moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach (2026)
Virginia Beach has a COL index of 93 vs 98 for Richmond (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Virginia Beach to match your Richmond lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Richmond | Equivalent in Virginia Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,959 |
| $50K | $47,449 |
| $60K | $56,939 |
| $75K | $71,173 |
| $80K | $75,918 |
| $100K | $94,898 |
| $120K | $113,878 |
| $150K | $142,347 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Richmond vs Virginia Beach
| Expense | Richmond | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $369 | $369 |
| Transport | $70 | $48 |
| Utilities | $155 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,124 | $2,181 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia Beach cheaper than Richmond?
Yes. Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 93 vs 98 for Richmond (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach?
On a $75K salary, moving from Richmond to Virginia Beach saves roughly $50/month on core expenses. That's ~$600/year.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match my Richmond lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Richmond, you'd need roughly $71,173/year in Virginia Beach. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only