Cost of Living in Virginia Beach city, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Virginia Beach city Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Virginia Beach city ranks #2,153 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Virginia Beach city, Virginia
Virginia Beach: costly but well-paid
Virginia Beach's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18.6% and leans high by national standards, with median rent at $1,649 monthly. However, the median household income of $90,685 runs well above the national average of $74,755, partially offsetting the higher costs.
Virginia's most expensive rental market
Virginia Beach ranks as Virginia's priciest city for renters and owners alike, with median rent ($1,649) nearly 45% above the state average of $1,140. Home values of $366,300 far exceed any other county in this comparison, reflecting the city's urban and military economic advantages.
Premium pricing, premium wages
Virginia Beach's $1,649 rent towers over rural Tazewell ($738) and Washington ($832), while home values of $366,300 more than double Warren County's $315,800. Yet Virginia Beach residents earn $90,685 median income—the highest in this group—which helps absorb those elevated costs.
Renters squeezed more than owners
Renters spend $1,649 monthly (21.8% of income) while homeowners face $1,785 in monthly costs for properties valued at $366,300. The divergence suggests Virginia Beach's rental stock is newer or more competitive, pushing rents higher relative to ownership costs.
Virginia Beach: expensive, rewarding
Virginia Beach demands the highest housing costs in this analysis, but offers correspondingly high incomes and urban opportunities unavailable elsewhere. Relocators should expect to spend roughly 22% of earnings on rent—acceptable only if job prospects or lifestyle factors justify the premium pricing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Virginia Beach city
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Virginia Beach city, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,649/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Virginia Beach city pay $1,649/month on average, compared to $1,785/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $65,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $76,500/year. With a median household income of $90,685, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Virginia Beach city are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Goochland County where rent averages $1,567/month, Virginia Beach city is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Virginia Beach city
Rent Burden
21.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,116
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.6%
of gross income
The median home in Virginia Beach city may be a stretch
Median home value is $366,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,924 vs. your max of $2,116.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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