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Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

2.0% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
1.9% 1.9% 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 ~Same
Phoenix
106
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Phoenix
98
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Phoenix
101
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Phoenix
95
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index100102~Same
Housing106108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,3505.5% more
Median Home Price$370,000$340,0008.1% less
Groceries9899~Same
Transportation101100~Same
Healthcare95983.2% more
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax2.50%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.60%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Phoenix to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

Phoenix vs Austin → Phoenix vs Denver → Phoenix vs Nashville → Virginia Beach vs Raleigh → Virginia Beach vs Portland → Virginia Beach vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Phoenix is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $70 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Virginia Beach?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Virginia averages 0.74%.