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Cost of Living: Tampa, 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.

1.0% Virginia Beach, VA is more expensive overall
1.8% 1.8% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing ~Same
Tampa
110
Virginia Beach
108
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Tampa
100
Virginia Beach
99
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Virginia Beach
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Tampa
95
Virginia Beach
98
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Tampa
103
Virginia Beach
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Virginia Beach, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index101102~Same
Housing110108~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,3506.9% less
Median Home Price$365,000$340,0006.8% less
Groceries10099~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare95983.2% more
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, 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

Tampa, FL
$62,000
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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Virginia Beach (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Virginia Beach3.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Virginia Beach2.3%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Virginia Beach25 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Virginia Beach22
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Virginia Beach34
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Virginia Beach60°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Virginia Beach459,470

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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 Tampa or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 1.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Virginia Beach?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,350/month in Virginia Beach — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa 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 Tampa to Virginia Beach?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 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 Tampa vs Virginia Beach?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $340,000 in Virginia Beach — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Virginia averages 0.74%.