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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Virginia Beach, VA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

4.7% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
5.3% 5.3% cheaper housing
2.9% 2.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.3% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 2.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 8.3% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Atlanta
99
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index1071024.7% less
Housing1141085.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,35018.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$340,00010.5% less
Groceries102992.9% less
Transportation1091008.3% less
Healthcare102983.9% less
Utilities99100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax5.39%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Virginia Beach outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Virginia Beach to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Virginia Beach → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Virginia Beach →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Virginia Beach is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Virginia Beach?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $76,000 in Virginia Beach. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Virginia averages 0.74%.