Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Hampton is 65% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,346/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 58%
$67,758/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 60%
$234,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 477%
$1,347/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 74%
137,334
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $781/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $9,372/year.

Median household income is $40,800/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Hampton or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Berkeley?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $781/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Berkeley?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $40,800/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Hampton details → View Berkeley details →

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