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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Virginia Beach is 15% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,649/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 12%
$90,685/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 7%
$366,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 31%
$1,704/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 5%
457,066
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $6,068/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $6,068/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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Santa Maria

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 Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton