Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Jacksonville is 21% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,375/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 20%
$66,981/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 35%
$266,100 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 38%
$1,324/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 29%
961,739
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Jacksonville, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $23,704/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $23,704/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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