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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Orlando

Florida
115

Virginia Beach and Orlando have a similar cost of living.

$1,649/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,650/mo ≈ Same
$90,685/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$69,268/yr ↓ 24%
$366,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$359,000 ↓ 2%
$1,704/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,621/mo ↓ 5%
457,066
Population
311,732

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
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Orlando, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $21,417/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $359,000 in Orlando.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Orlando — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Orlando cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando 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 Orlando?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Orlando it's $1,650/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Orlando?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $69,268 in Orlando. Median household income is $21,417/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 Orlando?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Orlando has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,650/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Orlando details →

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