Quick answer
Virginia Beach costs $660/month less overall ($1,955 vs $2,615/mo). Virginia Beach also has lower state income tax (5.75% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach vs Virginia Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Long Beach vs Virginia Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $340K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $175 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $380 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $1,955 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 ✓ | 36/100 |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 25/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 5.75% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Virginia Beach's 1BR averages $1,400/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $650/month difference, or $7,800/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Virginia Beach charges 5.75% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $2,840/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $6,900 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Virginia Beach are $340K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $97,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Virginia Beach utilities run $10 more per month than Long Beach.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Virginia Beach, VA
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Virginia Beach. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Virginia Beach
Mild summers (78–87°F); cool winters (40–55°F) with occasional snow; spring and fall are pleasant; hurricane season (August–October) brings flooding and coastal surge
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
Virginia Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Move to Virginia Beach if…
- →You're a military families
- →You're a aerospace / naval engineers
- →You're a people seeking affordable coastal living
- →You're a families focused on stability over nightlife
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Virginia Beach is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,955 in Virginia Beach vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $660/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Virginia Beach?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 36/100. Virginia Beach is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Virginia Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Virginia Beach has lower state income tax (5.75%). On an $80K salary, that saves $2,840/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Long Beach or Virginia Beach better for buying a home?
Virginia Beach has lower median home prices at $340K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $485,000 difference on the median home.