Data last updated: August 2026

Chicago, ILVirginia Beach, VA

You would need around 20.7% less money in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain the same standard of living you have in Chicago, IL.

Overall Cost of Living

20.7%

Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper than Chicago, IL

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,406 USD
City B1,826 USD
Difference-24.1%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A293 USD
City B273 USD
Difference-6.8%

Average Net Salary

City A5,136 USD
City B4,264 USD
Difference-17.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA is 20.7% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Virginia Beach, VA's center costs around 1,826 USD, which is a staggering 24.1% less than in Chicago, IL. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Chicago, IL and Virginia Beach, VA is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your current lifestyle in Chicago, IL.

USD

You need in Virginia Beach, VA

4,073 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Chicago, IL to Virginia Beach, VA and investing the 21% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.1 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Chicago, IL budget to local Virginia Beach, VA prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1826 USD
Groceries273 USD
Utilities & Internet266 USD

Investment Planner

You save 580 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Virginia Beach, VA.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~97,440 USD in 10 years.