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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

10.5% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
21.7% 21.7% cheaper housing
3.9% 3.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.7% cheaper
Portland
138
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 3.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 7.4% cheaper
Portland
108
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.4% cheaper
Portland
107
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Portland
88
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index11410210.5% less
Housing13810821.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,35012.9% less
Median Home Price$485,000$340,00029.9% less
Groceries103993.9% less
Transportation1081007.4% less
Healthcare107988.4% less
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax8.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Portland652,503
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Portland to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 21.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Virginia Beach?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Virginia averages 0.74%.