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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Oakland

California
195

Virginia Beach is 78% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,649/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 16%
$90,685/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 7%
$366,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 152%
$1,704/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 27%
457,066
Population
438,072

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $6,684/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Oakland — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Oakland?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Oakland?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $6,684/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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