Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Virginia Beach and Salt Lake City have a similar cost of living.

$1,649/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 19%
$90,685/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 17%
$366,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 35%
$1,704/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 18%
457,066
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $15,760/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $15,760/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Utah?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Salt Lake City details →

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