Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Virginia Beach is 23% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,649/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 9%
$90,685/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 25%
$366,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 64%
$1,704/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 14%
457,066
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $22,711/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Arvada — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Arvada?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Arvada?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $22,711/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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