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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Richmond

California
161

Virginia Beach is 27% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,649/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 15%
$90,685/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,038/yr ≈ Same
$366,300 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 77%
$1,704/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 18%
457,066
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $647/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Richmond — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Richmond?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Richmond?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $647/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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Richmond details →

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