Cost of Living in Virginia Beach VA

Virginia Beach, VA, is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and military presence. As one of the most populous cities in Virginia, it offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. 

Understanding the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA, is crucial for anyone considering relocating to this dynamic area. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with living in Virginia Beach, from housing and utilities to healthcare and entertainment.

Housing Costs

The housing market in Virginia Beach, VA, has seen notable fluctuations in 2024. The average home value in Virginia Beach is approximately $406,933, reflecting a 5.4% increase over the past year. 

This rise is part of a broader trend of increasing property values in the city. The median listing home price is around $385,000, with homes typically selling for about $368,300. 

Homes in Virginia Beach tend to sell close to their asking prices, and the market is considered balanced, meaning that the supply and demand for homes are about equal.

Rental prices in Virginia Beach also show a considerable range. The median rent for homes in the city is around $2,300 per month, which has increased by $270 compared to the previous year. Rental prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood, with some of the most expensive areas being North Virginia Beach and Sandbridge. In these areas, rental prices can be significantly higher than the city average. The overall trend indicates a competitive housing market, with homes typically staying on the market for around 42 days before being sold.

Utility Costs

Utility costs in Virginia Beach, VA, reflect both regional pricing and the typical consumption patterns of residents. 

As of 2024, the average monthly utility bill for a standard 915 square foot apartment, which includes electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage services, is approximately $149.38. This is relatively moderate compared to national averages. 

Electricity prices have been fairly stable, with the average cost at around 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is slightly below the national average of 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. 

This stability in electricity costs can be attributed to the diverse energy mix and the infrastructure supporting the city’s power grid.

Water and sewer services in Virginia Beach are managed by the Department of Public Utilities. The cost for water is about $5.20 per 1,000 gallons, and the sewer service charge for a single-family home is approximately $31.58 per month. 

These rates are competitive compared to other cities in the region. Additionally, natural gas prices have seen a slight decrease, with the average price in March 2024 being $14.92 per Mcf, which is still about 8% higher than the national average. 

Overall, while utility costs in Virginia Beach are manageable, they highlight the importance of energy efficiency and conservation measures to maintain affordability.

Transportation 

Transportation in Virginia Beach, VA, offers a variety of options to both residents and visitors, making it easy to navigate the city and enjoy its many attractions. 

The Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates several key services, including the popular Wave Trolley, which runs daily along Atlantic Avenue from May through September, providing convenient access to oceanfront restaurants, shops, and entertainment. 

Additionally, the Bayfront Shuttle connects the oceanfront to First Landing State Park and North End beaches, while the Aquarium and Campground Shuttle offers easy transport to the Virginia Aquarium and local campgrounds. Fares for these services are affordable, typically costing $2 or less per ride.

For those preferring on-demand services, Virginia Beach offers Freebee, a free ride service using electric vehicles. 

This eco-friendly option reduces traffic congestion and is an excellent choice for short trips around the city. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available, providing flexible transportation options. 

Food and Grocery Costs

Food and grocery costs in Virginia Beach, VA, are generally in line with national averages but can vary slightly based on the specific items and shopping locations. 

The average monthly grocery cost for a single person in Virginia Beach is around $362, placing it among the higher end of grocery expenses in the state. 

Common grocery items such as milk cost approximately $3.22 per gallon, while a loaf of fresh white bread is around $2.83. 

Other staples like eggs cost about $3.66 per dozen, and chicken fillets are priced at $3.09 per pound. Prices for fresh produce also reflect moderate costs, with apples priced at $1.16 per pound and tomatoes at $1.93 per pound.

Dining out in Virginia Beach also presents a range of costs. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs about $65, while a fast-food combo meal is approximately $12. 

These prices make it clear that while grocery shopping can be a cost-effective way to manage food expenses, dining out is relatively affordable for those looking to enjoy the local cuisine. 

It’s important to note that Virginia Beach also imposes a grocery tax of 2.5%, which should be factored into the overall cost of food. 

By planning and budgeting accordingly, residents can effectively manage their food expenses and take advantage of the various grocery stores and dining options available in the city.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs in Virginia Beach, VA, vary significantly depending on the type of insurance and care required. For individuals seeking health insurance, Virginia offers a range of options through various providers. 

For instance, the cheapest Silver plan in Virginia Beach is the Sentara Direct M Silver plan, costing around $355 per month, while more comprehensive plans, such as the Anthem HealthKeepers Gold plan, are priced higher due to their lower deductibles and broader coverage. 

Medicaid is available for low-income residents, with eligibility requiring an annual income of less than $20,000 for an individual or $41,000 for a family of four, offering significant reductions in medical costs.

For senior care, Virginia Beach offers a variety of services, including home care, home health care, and assisted living, each with distinct cost implications. 

Home care and home health care services are priced at approximately $4,767 per month, aligning with the state average and slightly below the national average. 

Assisted living costs are slightly lower at $4,690 per month, while nursing home care, particularly for a semiprivate room, can be as high as $8,410 per month. These costs highlight the importance of planning and selecting the right care based on individual needs and financial capabilities.

Childcare Costs

Childcare costs in Virginia Beach, VA, can be quite substantial, reflecting the city’s moderate to high cost of living. The average monthly cost for full-time daycare is approximately $832, equating to about $9,984 annually. 

This cost can vary significantly depending on the type of care, with home-based daycare and larger childcare centers offering different pricing structures. For instance, infant care at a center can cost around $17,850 per year, while home-based care for toddlers might be slightly lower at about $11,290 annually. 

These figures indicate that childcare expenses in Virginia Beach are higher than the national average, which sits around $9,500 annually.

The hourly rate for childcare providers in Virginia Beach averages around $14.67, but this can range from $12 to $20 depending on the provider’s qualifications, responsibilities, and the specific needs of the children. 

For special needs childcare, the rate can be slightly higher, averaging about $15.21 per hour. 

Parents seeking more flexible or cost-effective solutions might consider nanny sharing, which allows them to split the cost of a caregiver with another family. 

Overall, the high cost of childcare in Virginia Beach underscores the importance of budgeting and exploring various options to find the best fit for a family’s needs.

Is Virginia Beach Expensive?

Living in Virginia Beach, VA, is considered relatively expensive compared to many other cities in the United States. 

The overall cost of living index for Virginia Beach is 104.8, which is 4.8% higher than the national average. This higher cost of living is primarily driven by housing expenses. 

The median home price in Virginia Beach is approximately $370,800, which is 9.7% higher than the national median of $338,100. 

Renting is also relatively costly, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment being around $1,590 per month, which is 11.2% above the national average.

Other living expenses in Virginia Beach, such as healthcare and utilities, also contribute to the overall higher cost of living. 

Healthcare costs are about 5.2% higher than the national average. Meanwhile, utilities are slightly more affordable, being around 3% lower than the national average. Transportation costs are on par with national figures, making it manageable for residents. To live comfortably in Virginia Beach, it is estimated that a family needs an annual income of about $70,920, while a single person would need around $54,400. Despite the higher costs, Virginia Beach offers a high quality of life with its extensive beachfront, numerous parks, and vibrant cultural scene, which many residents find justifies the expenses.

Read more: Best reasons to relocate to Ashburn, VA

Written by Billy Guteng. August 20, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.