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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Downey

California
169

Virginia Beach is 31% cheaper than Downey.

$1,649/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 15%
$90,685/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 4%
$366,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 99%
$1,704/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 17%
457,066
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $3,285/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Downey — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Downey?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Downey?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $3,285/year higher in Virginia Beach.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Downey details →

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