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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Virginia Beach is 62% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,649/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 81%
$90,685/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 92%
$366,300 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 317%
$1,704/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 79%
457,066
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,336/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $16,032/year.

Median household income is $82,985/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,336/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $82,985/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Santa Clara

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 Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville