Chicago, IL vs Virginia Beach, VA
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
On the headline indicators, Chicago and Virginia Beach are closely matched markets (homes within 14% of each other). Distinguishing the two usually requires looking past the cost averages — at the tax structure, commute patterns, and individual neighborhood differences.
Median Home Value
$315,200 ✓
$366,300
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$418,508
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo ✓
$1,649/mo
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
64.9%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
18.5x
Median Household Income
$75,134
$90,685 ✓
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$47,372
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
4.3% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
8.4%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
25.1 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
75.3%
Public Transit %
19.3%
0.8%
Work From Home %
18.3%
12.7%
State Income Tax
5.0%
5.8%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
5.6% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
0.8%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
25.0%
Median Age
35.7
37.4
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
69.0°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
—
3.4"
Chicago, IL 2 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
Virginia Beach, VA 3 wins
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Median Household Income
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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