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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Virginia Beach is 30% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,649/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 33%
$90,685/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 13%
$366,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 62%
$1,704/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 31%
457,066
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $542/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $6,504/year.

Median household income is $11,636/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Fairfield?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $542/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Fairfield?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $11,636/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Fairfield details →

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