This comparison between Virginia Beach, VA, and Raleigh, NC considers aspects crucial for relocation and tourism. Each city's unique characteristics in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and more are explored. Both Virginia Beach and Raleigh boast attractive qualities, attracting residents and tourists alike, but different factors may appeal to different individuals.
Distance between
Virginia Beach, VA and
Raleigh, NC : 158.7 miles
Raleigh's population is larger by 3%. Its population has grown by 193,031 people (69.9%) since 2000. The population of Virginia Beach has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) during that time.
Virginia Beach has a comparatively lower crime rate than Raleigh, making it a safer choice for both residents and tourists. Although Raleigh's crime rate is slightly above the national average, it's essential to note that crime tends to be localized in certain areas. Both cities prioritize public safety, invest in police departments, and community programs.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 706 registered sex offenders living in Virginia Beach and 2,158 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Virginia Beach is 641 to 1; the ratio in Raleigh is 213 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Virginia Beach than in Raleigh.
Cost of Living
Living in Virginia Beach tends to be more expensive than in Raleigh, the latter known for its affordable housing and lower overall cost of living. This difference is substantial when considering relocation, but less so for tourists, who might prioritize attractions and activities over cost.
Income Tax
Virginia Beach residents experience lower state income tax rates compared to Raleigh, which might be an important consideration for potential residents, though less so for short-term tourists.
Property Tax
Virginia Beach boasts lower property taxes than Raleigh, which might be a significant factor for would-be homeowners weighing the costs of relocation.
Sales Tax
Virginia's sales tax is slightly lower than North Carolina's, a factor to consider for both residents considering everyday purchases and tourists shopping on vacation. For Virginia Beach residents, the combined state and local sales tax rate is 6%, while in Raleigh it's 7.25%.
Income
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Estimated median household income
$81,634
$74,612
Estimated per capita income
$42,498
$44,001
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97
95.1
If you make $50,000 in Raleigh, you will have to make $50,999 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Virginia Beach's coastal location offers beautiful beaches, surfing, and various water-sport opportunities—contrasting Raleigh's rolling hills, lush forests, and proximity to mountains.
Both cities offer strong education systems. Raleigh, part of the renowned Research Triangle, has access to top-rated universities like NC State, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill. Virginia Beach is home to several well-regarded school districts. Both cities offer great opportunities for continuous learning.
Raleigh's economy is balanced across sectors like tech, healthcare, and education, part of its status as a hub in the Research Triangle. Virginia Beach's economy leans strongly on tourism, military, and agribusiness. Employment opportunities in both cities can be robust but are geared towards different industries.
Biggest Employers
For Virginia Beach, the largest employers include the Naval Air Station Oceana and the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. In Raleigh, the largest employers are the State of North Carolina, Wake County Public School System, and North Carolina State University.
There were 335 building permits issued in Virginia Beach in 2012 (200 less than in 2011) compared to 1,354 building permits issued in Raleigh in 2012 (366 more than in 2011).
In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Raleigh (Wake County), 54.9% voted for Democrats and 43.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
2020
51.6%
62.3%
46.2%
35.9%
2.2%
1.8%
2016
44.8%
57.4%
48.4%
37.2%
6.8%
5.5%
2012
48.1%
54.9%
50.7%
43.5%
1.2%
1.6%
2008
49.3%
56.8%
50.1%
42.3%
0.6%
0.9%
2004
40.4%
48.7%
59.3%
50.9%
0.4%
0.4%
2000
41.8%
46.1%
56.1%
53.2%
2.1%
0.7%
1996
41.4%
45.9%
50.6%
48.2%
8.0%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
10.7%
11.0%
4.2%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.9%
9.0%
13.6%
22.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
1.1%
4.2%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
1.1%
0.4%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.6%
1.5%
1.1%
VINEYARD USA
0.4%
0.1%
1.1%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.0%
0.4%
0.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
0.8%
0.6%
Weather
Virginia Beach features warmer winters and cooler summers than Raleigh due to its proximity to the ocean. It also experiences more rainfall. Raleigh, inland, has hotter summers and cooler winters. The weather in both cities is generally mild, making them attractive locales for those who prefer four distinct seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Temperature - Average
59.7°F
59.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
32%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
83%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.9 in
46.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
15.4 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.6%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.8%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
53%
51%
Wind speed - Average
10.4 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Average climate in Raleigh, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
2018
57
71
0.27
0.23
6.3
4.9
31.3
27.5
0.002
N/A
14.6
N/A
6.1
9.5
0.4
0.2
2017
60
70
0.22
0.23
6.8
5.5
33.2
25.8
0.002
N/A
14.7
N/A
6.9
9.3
0.3
0.2
2016
66
80
0.21
0.23
6.5
5.6
31.7
26.9
0.002
N/A
8.7
N/A
6.1
10.0
0.4
0.3
2015
57
79
0.27
0.27
7.3
5.7
33.8
28.6
0.002
N/A
12.4
N/A
6.4
11.0
0.5
0.3
2014
59
74
0.27
0.26
7.5
6.0
33.8
29.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.8
11.2
1.1
0.3
2013
66
72
0.28
0.26
7.1
N/A
31.2
26.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.8
10.7
1.1
0.4
2012
76
80
0.29
0.28
7.8
N/A
34.6
29.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.1
9.5
1.1
0.6
2011
66
84
0.27
0.27
9.2
N/A
35.1
32.9
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
10.3
1.7
0.7
2010
71
89
0.25
0.30
4.8
N/A
38.4
32.4
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.9
2.2
1.0
2009
51
77
0.25
0.30
9.7
N/A
31.5
27.8
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
2.6
1.0
2008
77
99
0.23
0.36
10.3
N/A
36.2
32.3
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.5
3.3
1.4
2007
81
98
0.18
0.40
12.2
N/A
36.3
35.7
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
4.3
1.2
2006
62
90
0.32
0.44
N/A
N/A
36.2
31.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
3.4
0.9
2005
67
80
0.28
0.38
N/A
N/A
35.4
33.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
2.5
2004
80
82
0.30
0.40
15.9
N/A
33.3
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
2.6
2003
84
82
0.34
N/A
16.2
N/A
34.3
29.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
3.0
2002
99
89
0.40
N/A
17.8
N/A
38.0
36.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.9
2.6
2001
92
128
0.42
N/A
18.2
N/A
36.3
34.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
N/A
2000
85
115
0.44
0.64
15.7
N/A
36.5
34.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
61.5%
95.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
35.2%
52.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
0%
18%
Transportation
Public transportation is more developed in Raleigh, with options including buses, rapid transit, and an extensive trail network for cyclists. Virginia Beach, while having local bus service, is more car-dependent, with most residents owning personal vehicles.
Transport
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
374
499
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
1%
1.1%
Carpooled
9.5%
8.5%
Car alone
84.2%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Taxicab
0%
0.3%
Walked
3.2%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Average
24.8 min
29.4 min
Other means
23.7 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
41.9 min
39.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.3%
90.1%
In 2 person carpool
8%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Virginia Beach's real estate market is more expensive than Raleigh's, with median home prices consistently higher. However, both cities have growing real estate markets with the potential for a good return on investment.
Neighborhoods
Both cities showcase a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Virginia Beach offers both beachside and inland communities, while Raleigh boasts historic neighborhoods, bustling downtown areas, and quiet suburban communities.
Houses and residents
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Houses
190,981
217,866
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.4
Median year apartment built
1988
1995
Median year house/condo built
1983
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
11.5 years
Houses occupied
182,775 (95.7%)
194,917 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,144 (65.2%)
103,367 (53%)
Houses occupied by renters
63,631 (34.8%)
91,550 (47%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,833
$1,740
Median monthly housing costs
$1,490
$1,298
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$508,833
$302,120
Estimated median house or condo value
$328,500
$340,200
Median numbers of rooms
6
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.6
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
$459,164
$446,507
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$200,674
$403,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$279,464
$170,635
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$229,647
$306,998
Median house price - mobile homes
$143,239
$31,622
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$261,878
$292,086
Median house price - All housing units
$401,957
$404,828
Median house age
36
26
Renting percentage
34.7%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
769.2
1,901.1
House value disparities
29%
30.8%
Household income disparities
40.6%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$104,941
$114,680
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$82,507
$81,716
Housing units without a mortgage
2,373 (2.6%)
1,689 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,070 (10%)
6,627 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
88,748 (97.4%)
78,923 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
287 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
10,952 (12%)
7,783 (9.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
One, detached
53.2%
45.0%
One, attached
18.3%
14.0%
Two
1.7%
1.2%
3 or 4
4.6%
4.6%
5 to 9
9.0%
6.3%
10 to 19
4.5%
12.4%
20 to 49
2.1%
6.0%
50 or more
5.4%
9.2%
Mobile homes
1.1%
1.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
9,992
12,488
State government workers
6,577
19,792
Unpaid family workers
251
523
Industries and Occupations
Raleigh is prominent in tech, research, and academia as parts of the Research Triangle. In contrast, Virginia Beach thrives on tourism, the military, and agribusiness. This difference provides a diverse range of job opportunities depending on one's interests and skills.
Both cities provide high-quality health care with numerous renowned hospitals and healthcare providers. Raleigh's advantages in healthcare are boosted by its being part of the Research Triangle, a hub for medical research and development.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Virginia Beach offers a well-developed infrastructure to support its tourism industry, with numerous resorts and tourist attractions. Raleigh boasts significant investment in infrastructure evident in their downtown revitalization efforts, rapid transit options, and the Research Triangle Park.
Infrastructure
Type
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Hospitals
7
19
TV stations
24
20
Bank branches located here
96
136
Bank institutions located here
16
27
Main business address for public companies
2
21
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
6
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Virginia Beach
Raleigh
1999
0
1,618
2000
0
890
2001
0
557
2002
0
510
2003
941
564
2004
1,388
700
2005
1,545
1,083
2006
1,502
1,097
2007
1,073
859
2008
340
424
2009
167
253
Culture and Food
Both cities boast rich cultures and exciting culinary scenes. Virginia Beach, with its coastal location, offers fantastic seafood cuisine, while Raleigh, renowned for its barbeque, has a diverse array of both fine-dining and comfort food options.
Sports Teams
Fans of professional sports may lean towards Raleigh, home to the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes and near numerous college sports teams. Virginia Beach, while not hosting professional teams, has a strong culture of water and beach sports.
Virginia Beach, VA
Raleigh, NC
Virginia Beach, VA and 
Raleigh, NC : 158.7 miles
