Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Virginia Beach, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 2.9% more expensive than Virginia Beach, VA. This translates to spending an extra $218 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Virginia Beach, VA, you'd need approximately $152,621.359 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 3.8% cheaper than in Virginia Beach, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA.

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

Living in Atlanta, GA costs approximately $218 more per month than Virginia Beach, VA, or $2621 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Virginia Beach, VA vs Atlanta, GA: 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 Virginia Beach, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $218/month more in Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.6K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$218

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

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

Virginia Beach, VA

Population:459K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$447K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$441K

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Virginia Beach, VA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Virginia Beach, VA	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $167more	9.5%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,448/mo	↑ $164more	12.8%
Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $104less	3.8%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
All Utilities	$574/mo	$585/mo	↑ $10.93more	1.9%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Other

↑ 9.5%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$167

Transportation

↑ 12.8%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$164

Housing

↓ 3.8%

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$104

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

All Utilities

↑ 1.9%

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$10.93

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,865

↑ $85.00

1 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,950

↑ $150

2 Bed

From$2,040

To$2,140

↑ $100

3 Bed

From$2,830

To$2,565

↓ $265

Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$2,120/mo

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/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.

$7,935

Monthly in Virginia Beach, VA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$195

Difference

Home Values

Virginia Beach

Atlanta

$447K

Median Value

$441K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$318K - $640K

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 1% less expensive than Virginia Beach

Calculate payment - Virginia Beach Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $85.00

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$7.08

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Virginia Beach, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.