Is Austin, TX or Virginia Beach, VA cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Austin, TX leaves you more: $4,389/yr. On $120,000, Austin, TX leaves $69,073/yr in pocket (state tax $0, housing $21,347) vs Virginia Beach, VA's $64,684 (state tax $6,900, housing $18,836).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Texas: 0% vs Virginia: 5.75%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Austin, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA

Austin, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA: cost of living on $120,000

Austin, TX +$4,389/yr On $120,000, Austin, TX leaves $69,073/yr in pocket vs Virginia Beach, VA's $64,684 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Austin, TX	Virginia Beach, VA
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$0 (0%)	$6,900 (5.75%)
After-tax income	$90,420	$83,520
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$21,347	$18,836
Real money in pocket	$69,073	$64,684

Verified 2026-08-07 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-06.

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FAQ

Is Austin, TX or Virginia Beach, VA cheaper?: On $120,000, Austin, TX — by $4,389/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Texas 0% vs Virginia 5.75%) and housing cost.

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