Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Virginia Beach is 53% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,649/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 29%
$90,685/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 20%
$366,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 269%
$1,704/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 37%
457,066
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $17,873/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Berkeley?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Berkeley?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $17,873/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Berkeley

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach