Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Virginia Beach is 70% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,649/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 35%
$90,685/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 38%
$366,300 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 50%
$1,704/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 38%
457,066
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $577/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,924/year.

Median household income is $34,063/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Columbus — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus 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 Columbus?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $577/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Columbus?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $34,063/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Columbus details →

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