Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Virginia Beach, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 0.2% more expensive than Virginia Beach, VA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Virginia Beach, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Virginia Beach, VA, you'd need approximately $150,174.757 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Virginia Beach, VA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 2.2% more expensive than in Virginia Beach, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,040/month in Virginia Beach, VA.

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

Virginia Beach, VA and Phoenix, AZ have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Virginia Beach, VA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Virginia Beach, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $14.56/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.2K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$14.56

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$175

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

Median Home:$447K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$414K

Virginia Beach, VA

The Old Dominion State

459K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Virginia Beach, VA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Virginia Beach, VA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $205more	16.0%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $80.35less	4.6%
🏠Housing	$2,729/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $59.77more	2.2%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$574/mo	$561/mo	↓ $12.57less	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.0%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,284

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$205

📦Other

↓ 4.6%

Virginia Beach, VA

$1,758

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$80.35

less

🏠Housing

↑ 2.2%

Virginia Beach, VA

$2,729

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$59.77

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Virginia Beach, VA

$632

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.2%

Virginia Beach, VA

$574

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$12.57

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Virginia Beach, VA

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,780

To$1,390

↓ $390

1 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,510

↓ $290

2 Bed

From$2,040

To$1,750

↓ $290

3 Bed

From$2,830

To$2,330

↓ $500

Virginia Beach, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,690–$2,120/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$132

Difference

Home Values

Virginia Beach

Phoenix

$447K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +33.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$318K - $640K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 7% less expensive than Virginia Beach

Calculate payment - Virginia Beach Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Virginia Beach, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.