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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Virginia Beach is 32% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,649/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 26%
$90,685/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 7%
$366,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 87%
$1,704/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 25%
457,066
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $435/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $5,220/year.

Median household income is $6,725/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $435/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $6,725/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Santa Rosa details →

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