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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Virginia Beach is 129% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,649/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 46%
$90,685/yr ↑ 131%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 57%
$366,300 ↑ 289%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 74%
$1,704/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 49%
457,066
Population
367,523

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
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $51,498/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Cleveland?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Cleveland?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $51,498/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 Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Cleveland details →

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