Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Virginia Beach is 46% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,649/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 35%
$90,685/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 29%
$366,300 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 27%
$1,704/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 35%
457,066
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $26,197/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Columbia — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Columbia?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Columbia?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $26,197/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Missouri?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Columbia

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 Columbia vs. Lehigh Acres Columbia vs. Abilene Columbia vs. Lewisville Columbia vs. Athens Columbia vs. Norman Columbia vs. Topeka