Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Virginia Beach is 29% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,649/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 16%
$90,685/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 18%
$366,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 94%
$1,704/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 7%
457,066
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $16,687/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $16,687/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Arizona?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Scottsdale

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 Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk