Moving from Virginia Beach to Roanoke (2026)
Roanoke has a COL index of 87 vs 93 for Virginia Beach (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Roanoke to match your Virginia Beach lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Virginia Beach | Equivalent in Roanoke |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,419 |
| $50K | $46,774 |
| $60K | $56,129 |
| $75K | $70,161 |
| $80K | $74,839 |
| $100K | $93,548 |
| $120K | $112,258 |
| $150K | $140,323 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Virginia Beach vs Roanoke
| Expense | Virginia Beach | Roanoke |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $369 | $361 |
| Transport | $48 | $48 |
| Utilities | $170 | $155 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,181 | $2,554 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $373 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Virginia Beach — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Roanoke cheaper than Virginia Beach?
Yes. Roanoke has a cost of living index of 87 vs 93 for Virginia Beach (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Virginia Beach to Roanoke?
On a $75K salary, moving from Virginia Beach to Roanoke saves roughly $350/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,200/year.
What salary do I need in Roanoke to match my Virginia Beach lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Virginia Beach, you'd need roughly $70,161/year in Roanoke. 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