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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Virginia Beach is 30% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,649/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 32%
$90,685/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 35%
$366,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 65%
$1,704/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 31%
457,066
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $31,544/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $31,544/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Elk Grove

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