Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Cincinnati, OH (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Cincinnati

Ohio
69

Virginia Beach is 70% more expensive than Cincinnati.

$1,649/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$953/mo ↓ 42%
$90,685/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$51,707/yr ↓ 43%
$366,300 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$215,300 ↓ 41%
$1,704/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,041/mo ↓ 39%
457,066
Population
309,595

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Cincinnati, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $38,978/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $215,300 in Cincinnati.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Cincinnati — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Cincinnati?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Cincinnati it's $953/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Cincinnati?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $51,707 in Cincinnati. Median household income is $38,978/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Ohio?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Cincinnati?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with rent of $953/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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