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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI 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
31.7% 31.7% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.7% more
Milwaukee
82
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index931029.7% more
Housing8210831.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,35028.6% more
Median Home Price$175,000$340,00094.3% more
Groceries9899~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9898~Same
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax7.65% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
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 Milwaukee lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 31.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Virginia Beach?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. 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 Milwaukee to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 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 Milwaukee vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $165,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Virginia averages 0.74%.