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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Orange

California
206

Virginia Beach is 43% cheaper than Orange.

$1,649/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 37%
$90,685/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 29%
$366,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 146%
$1,704/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 40%
457,066
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $26,260/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Orange — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Orange?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Orange?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $26,260/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Orange details →

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