Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Orlando is 5% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $71,429 in Orlando.
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. Orlando has a housing index of 104 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Orlando costs $320,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,650 in Orlando versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Orlando scores 103 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Orlando (96) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Orlando is $48,080 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Orlando.
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