Virginia Beach, VA

Above Avg · 117

Virginia · Population 457,066 · Updated March 2026

$1,649
Median Rent / Month
$90,685
Median Income
$366,300
Median Home Value
$1,704
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Virginia Beach

21.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Virginia

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.3%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$19,788
Annual Rent
$5,214
State Income Tax
$2,930
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Virginia Beach is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 117 (where 100 equals the national median), Virginia Beach residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,649/month while earning a median household income of $90,685/year.

The median home value in Virginia Beach, VA is $366,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,704 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Virginia has a moderate income tax rate of 5.75%. Combined with a 5.3% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Virginia Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Virginia Beach

What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA?
The cost of living index in Virginia Beach, VA is 117 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,649, median household income is $90,685/year, and the median home value is $366,300.
Is Virginia Beach, VA affordable?
No, Virginia Beach is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 117. The rent-to-income ratio is 21.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Virginia Beach, VA?
The median gross rent in Virginia Beach, VA is $1,649 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,788.
What is the median household income in Virginia Beach?
The median household income in Virginia Beach, VA is $90,685 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Virginia?
Virginia has a top income tax rate of 5.75%, a sales tax of 5.3%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.

Compare Virginia Beach With

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