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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

17.7% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
30.8% 30.8% cheaper housing
8.3% 8.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 30.8% cheaper
Seattle
156
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 8.3% cheaper
Seattle
108
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
Seattle
118
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 10.9% cheaper
Seattle
110
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 9.9% more
Seattle
91
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index12410217.7% less
Housing15610830.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,35034.1% less
Median Home Price$780,000$340,00056.4% less
Groceries108998.3% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1109810.9% less
Utilities911009.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Virginia Beach, VA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Virginia Beach costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Virginia Beach to maintain your Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Seattle to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 30.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Virginia Beach?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $440,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Virginia averages 0.74%.