Home › Compare › Washington, DC vs Virginia Beach, VA

Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

21.5% Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper overall
33.3% 33.3% 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 33.3% cheaper
Washington
162
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 8.3% cheaper
Washington
108
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation 18.0% cheaper
Washington
122
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 10.9% cheaper
Washington
110
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Washington
105
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index13010221.5% less
Housing16210833.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,35038.6% less
Median Home Price$620,000$340,00045.2% less
Groceries108998.3% less
Transportation12210018.0% less
Healthcare1109810.9% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Virginia Beach, VA
State Income Tax10.75% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Washington689,545
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Washington to Virginia Beach?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 33.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $850 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Virginia Beach?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Washington to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $280,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Virginia averages 0.74%.