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Cost of Living: Dallas, TX 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.

0.0% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Dallas
108
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Dallas
97
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Dallas
101
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Dallas
98
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 3.8% cheaper
Dallas
104
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index102102~Same
Housing108108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,3503.6% less
Median Home Price$340,000$340,000~Same
Groceries97992.1% more
Transportation101100~Same
Healthcare9898~Same
Utilities1041003.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, TX Virginia Beach, VA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Dallas to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas 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 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas or Virginia Beach?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Dallas to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $0. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Virginia averages 0.74%.