Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

Virginia Beach is 4% more expensive than Anchorage.

$1,649/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↓ 12%
$90,685/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 8%
$366,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$375,900 ↑ 3%
$1,704/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ≈ Same
457,066
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $7,467/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Anchorage — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Anchorage?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Anchorage?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $7,467/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alaska?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Anchorage details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Anchorage

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