Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Virginia Beach is 3% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,649/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 6%
$90,685/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 11%
$366,300 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 19%
$1,704/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 4%
457,066
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $9,596/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $9,596/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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