Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Virginia Beach is 10% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,649/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↓ 6%
$90,685/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 19%
$366,300 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 10%
$1,704/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 16%
457,066
Population
260,646

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $17,567/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $17,567/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 St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View St. Petersburg details →

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