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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Virginia Beach is 6% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,649/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 3%
$90,685/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 16%
$366,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 12%
$1,704/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 2%
457,066
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,602/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Lancaster?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Lancaster?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $14,602/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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Lancaster details →

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