Virginia Beach is Virginia’s largest city, and the cost of living there is close to Richmond’s overall, but the details are very different. Homes cost a bit less across the metro, rents are higher and rising faster, and living on the coast adds costs that inland buyers never think about, such as flood and storm insurance. This guide compares the cost of living in Virginia Beach with Norfolk and Richmond in 2026, using sourced figures.
Updated November 2026.
Virginia Beach Cost of Living at a Glance
- Overall prices: the Bureau of Economic Analysis puts the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area at 97.9 on its price index, where 100 is the US average, about 2% below the national average (2024). Richmond is at 97.9 too.
- Typical home value: about $372,867 for the Virginia Beach metro in September 2026, up 2.8% over the year, versus $394,095 for Richmond.
- Typical rent: about $1,877 a month in July 2026, up 5.9% over the year, versus $1,751 in Richmond.
- Sales tax: 6% in Hampton Roads, as in Richmond.
- Real estate tax: $0.97 per $100 in Virginia Beach and $1.23 in Norfolk, versus $1.20 in the City of Richmond.
Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (via FRED), Zillow September 2026 market report and Zillow July 2026 rent report. Metro figures cover surrounding cities, so values for Virginia Beach city or Norfolk alone differ.
Housing Costs
Buying
The Virginia Beach-Norfolk metro’s typical home value of about $372,867 is 5% below Richmond’s. Zillow’s value for Virginia Beach city alone was about $424,785 in September 2026, so prices inside the city are higher than the metro as a whole. Norfolk is generally less expensive: Redfin put its median sale price at about $332,000 for the three months ending in September 2026. Waterfront and beach-side homes cost far more than inland ones. See our Richmond housing market guide for comparison.
Renting
Typical rent in the metro was about $1,877 in July 2026, which is 7% higher than Richmond’s $1,751. It also rose 5.9% over the year, one of the fastest increases among large US metros in Zillow’s report. Richmond’s rose 2.7%.
Taxes
| City | Rate per $100 | Annual tax on a $400,000 home |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $0.97 | $3,880 |
| Norfolk | $1.23 | $4,920 |
| City of Richmond | $1.20 | $4,800 |
Virginia Beach’s rate is from the city’s assessor report, and Norfolk’s is from the city’s budget documents. See Norfolk’s real estate tax page for the current figure. Bills depend on your assessed value, so check each locality. Virginia’s state income tax is 2% to 5.75% everywhere in the state, and the sales tax in Hampton Roads and Richmond is 6%. See Richmond-area property tax by county.
Flood Risk and Insurance
Coastal living brings extra costs. Parts of Hampton Roads sit in flood zones, and flood and homeowners insurance can add substantially to your monthly budget. Estimates vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars a year depending on the property and zone, and the federal flood insurance program is changing how premiums are calculated. Local reporting from WHRO describes insurers pulling back from some coastal communities. Before you make an offer, check the property on the FEMA flood map and get insurance quotes. Our guide to Richmond flooding and weather risks covers the Richmond side.
Lifestyle and Trade-Offs
- Virginia Beach: beaches, a resort economy, a large military presence nearby and more suburban sprawl.
- Norfolk: a more urban feel, with a naval base, older neighborhoods, a downtown arts scene and generally lower home prices.
- Richmond: a historic inland city with a strong food and arts scene, the James River and more rolling terrain, with the mountains and the beach each within a couple of hours.
For the full comparison, see Richmond vs Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads vs Richmond. For Richmond’s own numbers, read the cost of living in Richmond and our comparison of Richmond with other cities.
Which Is Cheaper?
| Cost | Virginia Beach | Norfolk | Richmond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home value (metro) | $372,867 (Virginia Beach-Norfolk metro) | Lower than Virginia Beach city | $394,095 |
| Typical rent (metro) | $1,877 | Same metro | $1,751 |
| Real estate tax per $100 | $0.97 | $1.23 | $1.20 (city) |
| Price index (US = 100) | 97.9 (metro) | 97.9 (metro) | 97.9 |
Overall, the metros cost about the same. Richmond is a little cheaper to rent in, Hampton Roads is a little cheaper to buy in, and coastal insurance can tip the balance. Run your own numbers for the specific home.
Moving Between Richmond and Hampton Roads
Richmond to Virginia Beach and Norfolk is about 90 to 105 miles, and the move stays within Virginia. Cavalier Moving handles long distance moves within Virginia and local moves around Richmond. All moves are billed hourly with an hourly minimum requirement. See our moving cost breakdown.
Ready for a straight answer on your move? Call Cavalier Moving at (804) 404-8048 or request a free estimate. We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Beach cheaper than Richmond?
Overall prices are about the same, according to BEA. The metro’s typical home value is about 5% lower than Richmond’s, but typical rent is about 7% higher.
What is the typical rent in Virginia Beach?
Zillow’s typical asking rent for the Virginia Beach metro was about $1,877 in July 2026.
What is the property tax rate in Virginia Beach?
The real estate tax rate is $0.97 per $100 of assessed value, so about $3,880 a year on a $400,000 home.
Is it more expensive to live in Virginia Beach or Norfolk?
Norfolk typically has lower home prices, though its real estate tax rate of $1.23 per $100 is higher than Virginia Beach’s $0.97.
Does flood insurance matter in Virginia Beach?
It can. Many properties are in flood zones, and premiums and coverage vary widely. Get quotes before you buy.
Does Cavalier Moving move between Richmond and Virginia Beach?
Yes. Moves between Richmond and Hampton Roads stay within Virginia, so they are within our service area.