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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Virginia Beach is 11% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,649/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 8%
$90,685/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 12%
$366,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 24%
$1,704/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 4%
457,066
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $10,750/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $10,750/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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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