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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Irvine

California
256

Virginia Beach is 54% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,649/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 75%
$90,685/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 43%
$366,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 205%
$1,704/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 70%
457,066
Population
308,160

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,244/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $14,928/year.

Median household income is $38,962/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Irvine — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Irvine?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,244/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Irvine?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $38,962/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Irvine details →

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