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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL 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.

6.2% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
10.2% 10.2% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 10.2% more
Jacksonville
98
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Jacksonville
97
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% more
Jacksonville
92
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Jacksonville
102
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index961026.2% more
Housing9810810.2% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,3503.8% more
Median Home Price$310,000$340,0009.7% more
Groceries97992.1% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare92986.5% more
Utilities102100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Virginia Beach, VA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
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 Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Jacksonville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 10.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Virginia Beach?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Jacksonville to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 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 Jacksonville vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $30,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Virginia averages 0.74%.