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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Virginia Beach is 4% more expensive than Tampa.

$1,649/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 5%
$90,685/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 21%
$366,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 2%
$1,704/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 9%
457,066
Population
393,389

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $19,383/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Tampa — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Tampa?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Tampa?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $19,383/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 Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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