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

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach have a similar cost of living.

$1,649/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 4%
$90,685/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 24%
$366,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$369,800 ≈ Same
$1,704/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 2%
457,066
Population
119,508

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
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Virginia Beach, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $21,424/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Virginia Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $21,424/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 West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach

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