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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Santa Ana

California
163

Virginia Beach is 28% cheaper than Santa Ana.

$1,649/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,975/mo ↑ 20%
$90,685/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$88,354/yr ↓ 3%
$366,300 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$657,800 ↑ 80%
$1,704/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,965/mo ↑ 15%
457,066
Population
311,639

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
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Santa Ana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 163 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $326/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $3,912/year.

Median household income is $2,331/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $657,800 in Santa Ana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Santa Ana — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Ana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Santa Ana?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Santa Ana it's $1,975/month — a difference of $326/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Santa Ana?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $88,354 in Santa Ana. Median household income is $2,331/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 Santa Ana?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with rent of $1,975/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Santa Ana details →

More Comparisons

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Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Santa Ana vs. Orlando Santa Ana vs. Cincinnati Santa Ana vs. Riverside Santa Ana vs. Irvine Santa Ana vs. Corpus Christi Santa Ana vs. St. Paul