Cost of Living Snapshot for Virginia Beach Households

While Virginia Beach’s overall cost of living sits just above the national average (about 1.0% higher, COLI ≈101.0), housing is the main factor driving that difference [web:56][web:53]. Virginia Beach cost of living hinges on housing costs: average rent in Virginia Beach runs roughly $1,541/month, with studios at $1,548, one-bedrooms $1,541, two-bedrooms $1,753, and three-bedrooms $2,129 [web:48].

For planning, use a monthly budget for renters near $4,618, which already folds in groceries (~$681), utilities (~$387), transportation costs (~$373), healthcare (~$162), and goods & services [web:56]. If owning, monthly expenses homeowners average about $7,790, reflecting mortgage, taxes, and upkeep tied to the median home price of approximately $400,000–$404,000 [web:54][web:56].

A comfortable recommended salary Virginia Beach for a single adult sits around $50,000–$60,000, aligning with the guideline that housing should stay at or below 30% of income [web:56][web:48]. Use the cost of living index to adjust estimates to individual situations [web:56].

Housing and Rental Market: What to Expect Monthly

Because housing drives most monthly cost differences in Virginia Beach, expect rent to be the biggest single expense and plan accordingly [web:48]. Use the average rent in Virginia Beach — about $1,541 monthly — as a baseline: studios average $1,548, one‑bedroom rent sits at $1,541, two‑bedroom rent averages $1,753 and three‑bedrooms hit $2,129 [web:48].

Add typical utilities cost of $150–$250 plus internet and mobile (~$65 and $51) [web:56]. Rents rose roughly 1.9% year‑over‑year (≈$30/month) with small month‑to‑month gains; factor that rent growth rate into future budgets [web:48]. Follow the rent‑to‑income guideline: a $1,541 one‑bedroom needs gross monthly income ≈ $5,136 [web:48].

Watch rental market trends and neighborhood premiums (some areas push rents higher) so realistic monthly housing budgets can be set and surprise shortfalls avoided [web:48]. Virginia Beach rent prices are 6% lower than the national average, making the city relatively affordable [web:48].

Monthly Essentials: Groceries, Utilities, Transportation, and Healthcare

Break down monthly essentials and housing isn’t the only line that matters: groceries average about $681/month (about 0.3% below the U.S. average), utilities for renters run near $387/month with electricity around $195, and transportation for renters is roughly $373/month (local bus $2 per ride or monthly pass available; gas ~$2.95/gal as of October 2025) [web:56][web:73][web:48].

Break down monthly essentials: groceries ~$681, utilities ~$387, electricity $195, and transportation about $373 (bus $2 per ride) [web:56][web:73].

In Virginia Beach cost of living planning, factor groceries in Virginia Beach — milk $3.69, eggs $3.86, ground beef $6.32 — into monthly budgets [web:76]. Monthly utilities are about 11.3% higher than average, especially for homeowners, so renter expenses at $387 help control bills [web:56].

Transportation costs are modest: consider a monthly pass or pay-per-ride at $2 if commuting occasionally [web:56]. Healthcare expenses trend slightly below the U.S. average (about 4.4% lower); expect about $162/month for renters with doctor visits ranging from $110–$275 and prescriptions averaging ~$23 [web:56].

Goods and services tend to be about 7.9% higher than the national average, with renter goods & services around $1,023/month, so budget accordingly to balance essentials against average rent in Virginia Beach [web:56][web:48].

How Much Salary Is Needed to Live Comfortably in Virginia Beach

To live comfortably in Virginia Beach, aim for about $50,000–$60,000 per year as a single adult [web:56][web:48]. For families, expect much higher targets — roughly $75,000–$85,000/year for a couple with young kids and about $104,580/year for a family of four in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Newport News metro area — driven largely by childcare and household expenses [web:56][web:53].

Housing is a key cost driver: keeping rent at or below 30% of income means a required annual income of around $61,632 if paying the local average rent of $1,541, and median home prices (~$400,000–$404,000) push required incomes even higher for buyers [web:48][web:54][web:56].

Single Adult Salary Target

Plan for roughly $50,000–$60,000 a year before taxes to live comfortably in Virginia Beach as a single adult [web:56][web:48]. This matches local guidance on the single adult salary target using the housing 30% rule and Virginia Beach cost of living metrics [web:48].

Average rent one-bedroom (~$1,541) plus utilities cost Virginia Beach (~$150–$250) and groceries monthly Virginia Beach (~$366) push a practical monthly budget Virginia Beach to about $4,600–$4,900 [web:48][web:56]. That aligns with a comfortable salary Virginia Beach near $50K–$60K, well under the median household income Virginia Beach [web:48][web:56].

Key line items to check:

• Rent and utilities (housing 30% rule) [web:48]
• Groceries and essentials [web:56]
• Transportation and goods & services [web:56]
• Emergency savings and taxes [web:56]

Family Budget Estimates

If moving from single-adult budgeting to family planning, expect income needs to rise substantially: a married couple with young kids typically needs about $75,000–$85,000 per year, and that climbs to roughly $104,580/year for a family of two adults and two children in the Virginia Beach/Norfolk/Newport News metro area [web:56][web:53].

For Virginia Beach cost of living, those family budget estimates reflect higher groceries and food expenses, utilities in Virginia Beach (11.3% above national average), transportation costs (16.9% below national average), and healthcare expenses (4.4% below national average) [web:56]. Aim to keep housing costs near or below 30% of gross pay given average rent in Virginia Beach (~$1,541–$1,753) and homeowner costs [web:48][web:56].

Family-of-four calculations point to annual income needed around $104,580 to maintain typical standards in the metro area [web:53].

Housing Cost Impact

Because housing dominates budgets in Virginia Beach, the salary needed hinges largely on whether renting or buying and how much is allocated to shelter [web:48][web:56]. Virginia Beach cost of living is driven by housing costs: single adults typically need a livable salary Virginia Beach of about $50,000–$60,000 to keep housing at the 30% rent guideline [web:56][web:48].

With average rent in Virginia Beach near $1,541, that implies roughly $5,136/month gross, or about $61,632 annually [web:48]. The median home price Virginia Beach (~$400,000–$404,000) suggests rent vs buy Virginia Beach often favors renting for many [web:54][web:56].

• Monthly housing expenses: $1,541–$1,753 for rentals depending on bedrooms [web:48]
• Rent vs buy: renting often cheaper short-term [web:56]
• Housing budget for families: 30% of gross income guideline [web:48]
• Recommended family livable salary: $75k–$105k [web:53][web:56]

Comparing Virginia Beach to Other Cities and National Averages

While Virginia Beach’s overall cost of living sits at about 101.0, just 1% above the U.S. average of 100, it is conspicuously cheaper than high-cost coastal metros like Washington, D.C. (141.9) and a bit pricier than some Sun Belt cities such as Atlanta (100.4) and Houston (94.0) [web:56].

Virginia Beach cost of living reflects moderate housing costs: average rent in Virginia Beach runs roughly $1,541, about 6% below national rent, while median home price Virginia Beach near $400,000–$404,000 puts it below major coastal markets but above many smaller Virginia cities [web:48][web:54][web:56].

For budgeting, renter basic monthly expenses are estimated around $4,618 versus homeowner basic monthly expenses, which shapes monthly budget Virginia Beach and informs rent vs buy Virginia Beach decisions [web:56]. Utilities (11.3% above national average) and miscellaneous expenses (7.9% above) trend higher than U.S. averages, while groceries (0.3% below) and transportation (16.9% below) are at or below national levels [web:56].

A recommended salary Virginia Beach for a single adult is roughly $50k–$60k — useful for costs comparison major cities when planning relocation [web:56][web:48].

Tips for Reducing Your Monthly Expenses in Virginia Beach

Start by keeping housing costs from eating up budgets: aim to pay no more than 30% of income on rent, which given average rents of about $1,541 means a target of pre-tax monthly income around $5,136 or $61,632 annually to avoid housing strain [web:48].

Keep rent under 30% of income — with average rents ~$1,541, aim for a pre-tax annual income of ~$61,632 [web:48].

Then attack other line items in monthly budgets with data-driven moves [web:56]. Improve energy efficiency—smart thermostats and sealing drafts—to cut composite utilities (~$387/month) [web:56]. Save on groceries by buying value brands, shopping local markets, and using weekly lists; typical renter grocery spending is about $681/month (0.3% below national average) [web:56].

Reduce transportation costs using public transit (HRT) at $2 per ride or monthly passes; gas runs near $2.95/gal as of October 2025 [web:73][web:56]. Lower healthcare expenses by staying in-network and choosing generics; renter healthcare is about 4.4% below national average [web:56].

Consider affordable housing options, roommates, or smaller units to free cash for essentials [web:48]. Practical, consistent tweaks across utilities savings, groceries tips, transportation costs, and healthcare expenses will improve net savings [web:56].

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Virginia Beach per Month?

Roughly $4,600–$4,900 monthly is needed depending on renting or owning; include utilities, commuting expenses, groceries, healthcare, childcare options, emergency savings, home maintenance, and local taxes [web:56][web:48].

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Virginia Beach?

About $50,000–$60,000 annually is needed for a single adult; budget for lifestyle, commuter costs, utility differences, grocery preferences, healthcare access, entertainment options, childcare expenses, neighborhood safety, and clear savings strategies [web:56][web:48].

How Much Should I Budget for Rent per Month?

Budget about $1,541–$1,753 monthly for rent, adjust with studio options ($1,548) or roommate strategies, factor income ratio (30% guideline), lease negotiations, pet policies, utility fees, parking fees, security deposits, and neighborhood safety [web:48].

What Is the Cost of Living in Virginia per Month?

Roughly $4,600–$5,000/month is needed to cover housing market, food prices, transportation costs, utility bills, healthcare expenses, childcare services, entertainment options, groceries, tax implications, and emergency savings in Virginia Beach [web:56][web:48].

Conclusion

Living in Virginia Beach can be manageable with planning: aim to keep housing under 30% of income, expect average rent around $1,541 (studios ~$1,548, two‑beds ~$1,753), and budget roughly $681 for groceries, $387 utilities, $373 transport, and $162 healthcare [web:48][web:56]. If monthly needs are ~$4,600–$4,900, target a salary that covers those costs plus savings [web:56][web:48]. Like a well‑trimmed sail, smart choices keep budgets steady and moving forward [web:48][web:56].