Cost of Living in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach's cost of living index is 105 — making it 4.8% more expensive than the US national average. To maintain your current standard of living here, you would need to earn $105,000 for every $100,000 of national-average income.
The Virginia Beach Tax & Cost Impact
Virginia Beach offers a balanced tax profile. While Virginia does have an income tax, it remains competitive compared to coastal hubs, especially when adjusted for local housing costs.
Decision Matrix
- ✓Housing: Housing is a value-play compared to national tiers.
- ✓Savings Rate: To save $2,000/mo here, you need a gross household income of ~$88,200.
COL Index
105
100 = national avg
Monthly Budget
$5,250
vs $5,000 national
Population
0.5M
Metro area
State Tax
Yes
Virginia
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Estimated monthly costs in Virginia Beach vs national average for a typical household.
| Category | National Avg | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,650 | $1,774 | +$124 |
| Groceries | $650 | $676 | +$26 |
| Transportation | $800 | $836 | +$36 |
| Healthcare | $400 | $414 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $300 | $315 | +$15 |
| Other | $1,200 | $1,248 | +$48 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,250 | +$250 |
Salary Equivalent
To maintain the same standard of living in Virginia Beach, a national-average salary translates to:
$50,000 nationally
$52,500
$75,000 nationally
$78,750
$100,000 nationally
$105,000
$150,000 nationally
$157,500
What Your Salary Gets You in Virginia Beach
Here's how different salary levels translate to monthly purchasing power in Virginia Beach, VA, where the cost of living is 5% above the national average.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
FAQ: Cost of Living in Virginia Beach
Is Virginia Beach expensive to live in?
Virginia Beach's cost of living index is 105, which is slightly above the national average of 100. Housing is typically the biggest factor, with estimated monthly rent around $1,733.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Virginia Beach?
To maintain a middle-class lifestyle in Virginia Beach, you'd need approximately $78,750 per year, which is equivalent to a $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living.
How does Virginia Beach compare to other cities?
Virginia Beach is comparable in cost to Dallas, Nashville, Las Vegas. More affordable alternatives include Albuquerque, Columbus, Omaha.