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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Sacramento is 13% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,694/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 3%
$83,753/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 8%
$484,600 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 24%
$1,752/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 3%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,932/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $6,932/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 Sacramento or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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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