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Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

6.2% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
17.4% 17.4% more expensive housing
5.3% 5.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 17.4% more
Houston
92
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 5.3% more
Houston
94
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Houston
95
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 5.7% cheaper
Houston
106
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index961026.2% more
Housing9210817.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,35012.5% more
Median Home Price$295,000$340,00015.3% more
Groceries94995.3% more
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare95983.2% more
Utilities1061005.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Houston to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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 Houston or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 17.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Virginia averages 0.74%.