Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Portland is 18% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,596/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 3%
$88,792/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 2%
$557,600 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 34%
$1,771/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 4%
642,715
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $1,893/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $1,893/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Virginia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Virginia Beach details →

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