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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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
2.9% 2.9% more expensive housing
4.8% 4.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.9% more
Chicago
105
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 4.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.9% cheaper
Chicago
103
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index1071024.7% less
Housing1051082.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,35020.6% less
Median Home Price$310,000$340,0009.7% more
Groceries104994.8% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103984.9% less
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax4.95%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Chicago to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Virginia Beach vs Raleigh → Virginia Beach vs Portland → Virginia Beach vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago 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 2.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Virginia Beach?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Chicago to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Virginia averages 0.74%.