Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 35% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $48,611 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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