Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Atlanta is 4% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,617/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 2%
$81,938/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 11%
$420,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 13%
$1,695/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ≈ Same
499,287
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,747/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Atlanta or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $8,747/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Virginia?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Virginia Beach details →

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