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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Miami

Florida
129

Virginia Beach is 12% cheaper than Miami.

$1,649/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,657/mo ≈ Same
$90,685/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$59,390/yr ↓ 35%
$366,300 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$475,200 ↑ 30%
$1,704/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,666/mo ↓ 2%
457,066
Population
446,663

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Miami, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 129 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $31,295/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $475,200 in Miami.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Miami — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Miami cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Miami?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Miami it's $1,657/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Miami?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $59,390 in Miami. Median household income is $31,295/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 Miami?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Miami has a cost index of 129 with rent of $1,657/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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