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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Virginia Beach is 11% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,649/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 7%
$90,685/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 29%
$366,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 11%
$1,704/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 17%
457,066
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $26,245/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Clearwater?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Clearwater?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $26,245/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Clearwater details →

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