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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

San Francisco is 128% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$2,419/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 32%
$141,446/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↓ 36%
$1,380,500 ↑ 277%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 73%
$2,620/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 35%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $50,761/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $770/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $50,761/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Virginia Beach details →

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