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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Virginia Beach and Miami Gardens have a similar cost of living.

$1,649/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 4%
$90,685/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 33%
$366,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 8%
$1,704/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↓ 4%
457,066
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $29,706/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Miami Gardens is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $29,706/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 Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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