Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Phoenix is 7% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,458/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 13%
$77,041/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 18%
$381,900 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 4%
$1,430/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 19%
1,624,832
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $13,644/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Phoenix or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $13,644/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Virginia Beach details →

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