Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Virginia Beach is 7% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,649/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 3%
$90,685/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 8%
$366,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 24%
$1,704/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
457,066
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $6,828/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Tacoma?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Tacoma?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $6,828/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Washington?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Tacoma details →

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