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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Modesto

California
120

Virginia Beach is 2% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,649/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 2%
$90,685/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 14%
$366,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 13%
$1,704/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 5%
457,066
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,786/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Modesto — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Modesto?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Modesto?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $12,786/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Modesto details →

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