Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Virginia Beach, VA

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

2.9% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
10.0% 10.0% cheaper 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 10.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Salt Lake City
98
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Salt Lake City
96
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Salt Lake City
88
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index1051022.9% less
Housing12010810.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,350~Same
Median Home Price$475,000$340,00028.4% less
Groceries9899~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax4.65%5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.10%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Salt Lake City 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 10.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Virginia Beach?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Virginia averages 0.74%.