Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Virginia Beach, VA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

7.4% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
20.0% 20.0% more expensive housing
4.2% 4.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 20.0% more
Fort Worth
90
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 4.2% more
Fort Worth
95
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Fort Worth
96
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Fort Worth
103
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index951027.4% more
Housing9010820.0% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,3508.0% more
Median Home Price$300,000$340,00013.3% more
Groceries95994.2% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, TX Virginia Beach, VA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Virginia Beach outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Virginia Beach to maintain your Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
Virginia Beach459,470

Moving from Fort Worth to Virginia Beach?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Fort Worth and Virginia Beach → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Virginia Beach →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Worth or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Fort Worth is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 20.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth or Virginia Beach?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Fort Worth to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 compared to $76,000 in Virginia Beach. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Fort Worth vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Virginia averages 0.74%.