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Cost of Living: Columbus, OH 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.

9.7% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
25.6% 25.6% more expensive housing
3.1% 3.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.6% more
Columbus
86
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 3.1% more
Columbus
96
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Columbus
98
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Columbus
94
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 5.3% more
Columbus
95
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Columbus, OH Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index931029.7% more
Housing8610825.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,35022.7% more
Median Home Price$260,000$340,00030.8% more
Groceries96993.1% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare94984.3% more
Utilities951005.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Columbus, OH Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax3.50% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.75%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.41%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Columbus, OH
$64,000
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 Columbus lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Columbus (93) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Columbus3.8%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Columbus2.8%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Columbus23 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Columbus41
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Columbus40
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Columbus52°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Columbus905,748
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Columbus 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 Columbus or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 25.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Columbus and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Columbus or Virginia Beach?+
Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Columbus is $64,000 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 Columbus vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Columbus is $260,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $80,000. Property tax rates also differ: Ohio averages 1.41% while Virginia averages 0.74%.