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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Virginia Beach is 7% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,649/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 13%
$90,685/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 29%
$366,300 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 5%
$1,704/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 13%
457,066
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $26,697/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $26,697/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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View San Bernardino details →

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