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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Virginia Beach is 41% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,649/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 51%
$90,685/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 32%
$366,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 97%
$1,704/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 55%
457,066
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $837/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $10,044/year.

Median household income is $29,241/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $837/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $29,241/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Santa Clarita details →

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