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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Virginia Beach is 33% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,649/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 41%
$90,685/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 21%
$366,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 66%
$1,704/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 40%
457,066
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $19,095/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Murrieta?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Murrieta?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $19,095/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Murrieta details →

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