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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

8.9% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
18.2% 18.2% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.2% cheaper
Denver
132
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Denver
101
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 4.8% cheaper
Denver
105
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% cheaper
Denver
104
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 4.2% more
Denver
96
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index1121028.9% less
Housing13210818.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,35016.7% less
Median Home Price$540,000$340,00037.0% less
Groceries10199~Same
Transportation1051004.8% less
Healthcare104985.8% less
Utilities961004.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax4.40%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Denver713,252
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Denver to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $270 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Virginia Beach?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $200,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Virginia averages 0.74%.