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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Sunnyvale is 288% more expensive than Hampton.

$3,065/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 56%
$181,862/yr ↑ 168%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 63%
$1,816,600 ↑ 676%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 87%
$3,016/mo ↑ 124%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 55%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,719/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $20,628/year.

Median household income is $114,104/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Hampton — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Hampton?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $1,719/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Hampton?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $114,104/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Hampton details →

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