Home › Compare › Kansas City, MO vs Virginia Beach, VA

Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO 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
28.6% 28.6% 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 28.6% more
Kansas City
84
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 3.1% more
Kansas City
96
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Kansas City
100
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Kansas City
96
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Kansas City
100
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Kansas City, MO Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index931029.7% more
Housing8410828.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,35022.7% more
Median Home Price$240,000$340,00041.7% more
Groceries96993.1% more
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Kansas City, MO Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax4.80% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.23%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.88%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Kansas City, MO
$62,000
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 Kansas City lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Kansas City3.6%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Kansas City2.5%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Kansas City23 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Kansas City35
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Kansas City42
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Kansas City54°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Kansas City508,090
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Kansas City 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 Kansas City or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Kansas City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 28.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Kansas City vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Kansas City and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Kansas City or Virginia Beach?+
Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. 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 Kansas City to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Kansas City is $62,000 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 Kansas City vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Kansas City is $240,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Missouri averages 0.88% while Virginia averages 0.74%.