Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Virginia Beach is 49% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,649/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 45%
$90,685/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 21%
$366,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 188%
$1,704/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 44%
457,066
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $746/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $8,952/year.

Median household income is $19,388/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $746/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $19,388/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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