Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Seattle is 68% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,998/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 17%
$121,984/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↓ 26%
$912,100 ↑ 149%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 60%
$2,220/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 23%
741,440
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $31,299/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $31,299/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Virginia Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Virginia Beach

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