Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Columbus is 29% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,224/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 35%
$65,327/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 39%
$234,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 56%
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 37%
906,480
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $25,358/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Columbus or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $25,358/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Virginia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Virginia Beach details →

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