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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Riverside

California
144

Virginia Beach is 19% cheaper than Riverside.

$1,649/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ↑ 10%
$90,685/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↓ 2%
$366,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$542,100 ↑ 48%
$1,704/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ↑ 10%
457,066
Population
316,241

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $2,110/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Riverside — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Riverside?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Riverside?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $2,110/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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Riverside details →

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