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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

San Jose is 117% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$2,617/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 37%
$141,565/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↓ 36%
$1,187,800 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 69%
$2,775/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 39%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $968/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $11,616/year.

Median household income is $50,880/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $968/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $50,880/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Virginia Beach details →

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