Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Virginia Beach is 17% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,649/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 6%
$90,685/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 5%
$366,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 50%
$1,704/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 1%
457,066
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $4,896/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Lakewood?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Lakewood?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $4,896/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Lakewood

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield