Is Virginia Beach, VA cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Virginia Beach, VA is 2.8% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $212 per month.

What salary do I need in Virginia Beach, VA to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $147,452.83 in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Virginia Beach, VA?

Housing in Virginia Beach, VA is 4.0% more expensive than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Virginia Beach, VA?

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Virginia Beach, VA could save you approximately $212 per month, or $2547 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Atlanta, GA vs Virginia Beach, VA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $212/month moving to Virginia Beach, VA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Virginia Beach, VA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$212

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$441K

Virginia Beach, VA

Population:459K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$447K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 459K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Virginia Beach, VA

Category	Atlanta, GA	Virginia Beach, VA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,925/mo	$1,758/mo	↓ $167less	8.7%
Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $164less	11.3%
Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,729/mo	↑ $104more	4.0%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
All Utilities	$585/mo	$574/mo	↓ $10.93less	1.9%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↓ 8.7%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Difference

$167

less

Transportation

↓ 11.3%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Difference

$164

less

Housing

↑ 4.0%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Difference

$104

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Difference

$43.37

All Utilities

↓ 1.9%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Difference

$10.93

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,780

↓ $85.00

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,800

↓ $150

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,040

↓ $100

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$2,830

↑ $265

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$2,120/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$7,935

Monthly in Virginia Beach, VA

$195

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Virginia Beach

$441K

Median Value

$447K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↑ +2.7%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +33.5%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$318K - $640K

Homes in Virginia Beach are 1% more expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Virginia Beach

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $85.00

Per year

Monthly Difference

$7.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Virginia Beach, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Virginia Beach, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.