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Cost of Living: Sacramento, 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.

13.6% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
23.9% 23.9% cheaper housing
4.8% 4.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.9% cheaper
Sacramento
142
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 4.8% cheaper
Sacramento
104
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Sacramento
112
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 9.3% cheaper
Sacramento
108
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Sacramento
100
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Sacramento, CA Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index11810213.6% less
Housing14210823.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,35018.2% less
Median Home Price$450,000$340,00024.4% less
Groceries104994.8% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare108989.3% less
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Sacramento, 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

Sacramento, CA
$78,000
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 Sacramento lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Sacramento (118) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Sacramento4.2%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Sacramento2.7%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Sacramento27 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Sacramento44
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Sacramento50
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Sacramento61°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Sacramento524,943
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Sacramento to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Sacramento 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sacramento 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 23.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Sacramento vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Sacramento and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Sacramento is $78,000 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 Sacramento vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Sacramento is $450,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $110,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Virginia averages 0.74%.