Virginia Beach, VA, is one of the few coastal cities in the country where the numbers actually work in your favor. With a cost-of-living index of 100.2, it is only 0.2% above the national average, which is practically unheard of for a city sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean.
What Life Here Actually Costs Per Year
The average Virginia Beach resident spends about $68,364 per year on total living expenses, compared to the US average of $77,280. That is nearly $9,000 less per year, and you still get 35 miles of coastline to enjoy.
Here is how that annual spending breaks down:
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Housing: ~$22,322
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Transportation: ~$12,247
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Food: ~$8,852
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Healthcare: ~$5,639
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Everything else: ~$19,304
What Homes Are Going For Right Now
The median home sale price in Virginia Beach is around $399,900, with homes selling in an average of just 32 days after listing. Spring inventory is starting to open up, but good properties do not sit long here.
By property type:
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Single-family homes: ~$474,000
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Townhouses: ~$285,000
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Condos and co-ops: ~$334,408
Property taxes are especially reasonable at $0.97 per $100 of assessed value, working out to roughly $3,880 per year on a $400,000 home.
If you want to figure out exactly what fits your budget before competition picks up this spring, I can help at terrytrexler.com.
Renting Before You Commit?
The average rent in Virginia Beach is $1,696 per month, which is below both the state average of $1,972 and the national average of $1,748. More affordable neighborhoods like Woods of Piney Grove and The Point come in under $1,500 per month, while higher-end areas like Bay Colony and Aragona Acres run on the upper end.
Monthly Bills: The Honest Breakdown
Average monthly utilities run about $227 per month, covering electricity, water, sewer, and trash. Standard for a coastal city with genuine summers and mild winters.
Quick breakdown:
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Electricity: ~$80/month
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Water and sewer: ~$70 combined
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Trash collection: ~$31/month
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Internet: ~$125/month
Getting Around Town
Most residents own a car, and gas prices locally average around $3.27 per gallon. For public transit, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) serves the city and surrounding areas, with single rides at $2 and a monthly pass at $70, plus discounts for seniors and riders with disabilities.
What You Will Spend at the Grocery Store
Day-to-day grocery costs are very manageable here:
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Eggs (1 dozen): ~$4.28
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Wheat bread (1 loaf): ~$4.01
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Ribeye steak (1 lb): ~$13.71
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A meal out (quick service): ~$5.29
Healthcare in 2026: Plan Ahead
Virginia health insurance premiums are rising by approximately 20% in 2026 following changes to federal subsidies. Monthly individual premiums average around $280. Comparing plans actively during open enrollment rather than auto-renewing your current plan can save several hundred dollars a year.
Virginia’s Tax Structure, Simplified
Virginia uses a tiered state income tax starting at 2% and topping out at 5.75%. Virginia Beach does not add a local income tax on top of that. The total sales tax rate is 6%, and property taxes stay low compared to most comparable coastal metros.
Who Lives Comfortably Here?
The median household income in Virginia Beach is $90,695, well above the US median of $78,538. A family of four typically budgets around $104,580 per year to live comfortably in the area, and a single person can manage well under that. That income-to-cost ratio is one of the strongest selling points for this city.
Virginia Beach gives you a military-backed economy, strong public infrastructure, low property taxes, and a coast that does not require a six-figure salary to enjoy. If 2026 is the year you make the move, spring is the right time to start. When you are ready to find your home here, reach out, and let’s get to work.
Sources: offloadmoving.com, utility-rates.com, numbeo.com, wsls.com, ocity.org
Header Image Source: visitvirginiabeach.com
