Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Virginia Beach is 44% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,649/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 26%
$90,685/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 50%
$366,300 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 41%
$1,704/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 25%
457,066
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $45,385/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Hartford — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Hartford?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Hartford?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $45,385/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Connecticut?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Hartford details →

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