Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 14% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $64,549 in Virginia Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Virginia Beach scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) match Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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