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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Virginia Beach is 66% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,649/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 86%
$90,685/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 101%
$366,300 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 396%
$1,704/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 77%
457,066
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,416/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $16,992/year.

Median household income is $91,177/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,416/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $91,177/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Sunnyvale details →

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