Cost of Living: Salinas, CA vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Salinas

California
156
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Salinas is 77% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,923/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 30%
$89,150/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 24%
$610,900 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 62%
$1,912/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 30%
161,993
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $21,392/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas vs Hampton — common questions

Is Salinas or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Hampton?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Hampton?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $21,392/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salinas details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salinas and Hampton

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