Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Chicago is 15% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,380/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 19%
$75,134/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 21%
$315,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 16%
$1,502/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 13%
2,707,648
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $15,551/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Chicago or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $15,551/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Virginia Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Virginia Beach

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