Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Jacksonville is 10% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $67,857 in Jacksonville.
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. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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