Virginia Beach, Virginia has an overall cost of living index of 97.9, which is 2.1 points below the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,649 per month, while the typical home is valued around $366,300. Households earn a median of $90,685 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 55. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$90,685
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,649
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$366,300
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
97.9
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
N/A
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
97.9
Goods
95.5
Rents / Housing
99.9
Services
88.8
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.75%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
5.30%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $123,190 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $84,920 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $63,710 |
| ⚡Electrician | $58,930 |
| 📊Accountant | $79,290 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
457,066
Latest estimate
Median Age
37.4 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
55.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 97.9. The US national average is 100, so Virginia Beach is 2.1 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Virginia Beach?
The median gross rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Virginia Beach?
The median household income in Virginia Beach is $90,685 per year.
What is the median home value in Virginia Beach?
The median home value in Virginia Beach is $366,300 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 55.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Virginia Beach?
Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a statewide sales tax of 5.30% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology