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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Los Angeles is 60% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,879/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 12%
$80,366/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 13%
$879,500 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 58%
$2,055/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 17%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $10,319/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $10,319/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 Los Angeles or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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More Comparisons

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