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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

25.0% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
39.3% 39.3% cheaper housing
10.0% 10.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 39.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 10.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 20.0% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index13610225.0% less
Housing17810839.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,35046.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$340,00061.4% less
Groceries1109910.0% less
Transportation12510020.0% less
Healthcare1129812.5% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax7.25%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Los Angeles to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 39.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Virginia Beach?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $540,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Virginia averages 0.74%.