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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Virginia Beach is 46% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,649/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 30%
$90,685/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 39%
$366,300 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 34%
$1,704/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 31%
457,066
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $491/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $5,892/year.

Median household income is $35,032/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach 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 $1,158/month — a difference of $491/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Columbia?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $35,032/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% 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 $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Columbia details →

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