Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Virginia Beach is 41% more expensive than Athens.

$1,649/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 30%
$90,685/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 43%
$366,300 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 26%
$1,704/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 32%
457,066
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $39,030/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Athens — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Athens?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Athens?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $39,030/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Athens details →

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