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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

San Diego is 68% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$2,223/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 26%
$104,321/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↓ 13%
$848,500 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 57%
$2,308/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 26%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $574/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $6,888/year.

Median household income is $13,636/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $574/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $13,636/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Virginia Beach details →

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