Data last updated: August 2026

Santa Ana, CAVirginia Beach, VA

You would need around 27.4% less money in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain the same standard of living you have in Santa Ana, CA.

Overall Cost of Living

27.4%

Virginia Beach, VA is cheaper than Santa Ana, CA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,666 USD
City B1,826 USD
Difference-31.5%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A300 USD
City B273 USD
Difference-9.0%

Average Net Salary

City A3,116 USD
City B4,264 USD
Difference+36.8%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Santa Ana, CA to Virginia Beach, VA? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA is 27.4% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Virginia Beach, VA's center costs around 1,826 USD, which is a staggering 31.5% less than in Santa Ana, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Santa Ana, CA and Virginia Beach, VA is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your current lifestyle in Santa Ana, CA.

USD

You need in Virginia Beach, VA

2,263 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Santa Ana, CA to Virginia Beach, VA and investing the 27% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 4.1 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Santa Ana, CA budget to local Virginia Beach, VA prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1826 USD
Groceries273 USD
Utilities & Internet266 USD

Investment Planner

You save 840 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Virginia Beach, VA.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~141,120 USD in 10 years.