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

Long Beach

California

169

Virginia Beach

Virginia

117

Long Beach is 52% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,803/mo ↑ 9%

Median Rent

$1,649/mo ↓ 9%

$83,969/yr ↓ 7%

Median Income

$90,685/yr ↑ 8%

$762,200 ↑ 108%

Home Value

$366,300 ↓ 52%

$1,890/mo ↑ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,704/mo ↓ 10%

458,491

Population

457,066

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

5.75%

7.25%

Sales Tax

5.3%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

25.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

21.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $6,716/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Virginia Beach?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $154/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Virginia Beach?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $6,716/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 Long Beach or Virginia Beach?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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.