Median rent is 12% lower in Virginia Beach ($1,649/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Virginia Beach, where the median home runs $366,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($90,685 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Virginia Beach is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 113.3 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Virginia Beach, VA.
Quick verdict
Virginia Beach is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.9 in Virginia Beach vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, VA
$64,805
You could earn $10,195 less (14% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Virginia Beach
Virginia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Virginia Beach at $1,649/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $366,300 in Virginia Beach — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Virginia Beach is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 5.30% in Virginia; Virginia Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Virginia Beach
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Virginia Beach has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.9 vs 113.3).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,685/yr).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,649/mo median).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 55.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Virginia Beach.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, VA has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $90,685 in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Virginia Beach, VA has better air quality on average: 55.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Virginia Beach?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Virginia Beach, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $86,406 in Virginia Beach, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology