Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Fresno is 14% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,324/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 25%
$66,804/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 36%
$348,500 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 5%
$1,391/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 23%
543,615
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $23,881/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Fresno or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $23,881/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Virginia Beach details →

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