City vs city
Raleigh, NC vs Virginia Beach, VA
- Rent is 9% lower in Raleigh (median $1,572/mo vs $1,714/mo in Virginia Beach).
- Homes cost 9% less in Virginia Beach ($383k vs $416k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $227 more a month after taxes and rent in Raleigh.
- Schools rate higher in Raleigh (8.7/10 vs 7.8/10).
- Virginia Beach has less violent crime (1 vs 3.9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Raleigh | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,572/mo | $1,714/mo |
| Median home value | $416k | $383k |
| Median household income | $85k | $93k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,354 | $3,127 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Violent crime | about the US rate | 72% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 91°F | 87°F |
| Winter average | 42°F | 41°F |
| Sunny days a year | 213 | 209 |
| Walk score | 30 | 46 |
| Population | 481,031 | 456,349 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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