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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Virginia Beach is 34% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,649/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 20%
$90,685/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,166/yr ≈ Same
$366,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 109%
$1,704/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 18%
457,066
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $519/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $519/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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Garden Grove details →

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