Home › Compare › Oklahoma City, OK vs Virginia Beach, VA

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

15.9% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
42.1% 42.1% more expensive housing
6.5% 6.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 42.1% more
Oklahoma City
76
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 6.5% more
Oklahoma City
93
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Oklahoma City
96
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% more
Oklahoma City
92
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Oklahoma City
100
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index8810215.9% more
Housing7610842.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,35042.1% more
Median Home Price$210,000$340,00061.9% more
Groceries93996.5% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92986.5% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax4.75%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax4.50%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Oklahoma 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

Oklahoma City vs Austin → Oklahoma City vs Denver → Oklahoma City vs Nashville → Virginia Beach vs Raleigh → Virginia Beach vs Portland → Virginia Beach vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oklahoma City or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 42.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or Virginia Beach?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $130,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Virginia averages 0.74%.