Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Washington is 46% more expensive than Virginia Beach.

$1,900/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↓ 13%
$106,287/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↓ 15%
$724,600 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$366,300 ↓ 49%
$2,103/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↓ 19%
672,079
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $15,602/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Washington or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $15,602/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Virginia?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Virginia Beach details →

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