Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Virginia Beach is 6% more affordable than Sarasota. A $75,000 salary in Sarasota is equivalent to $70,312 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. Sarasota has a housing index of 132 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Sarasota costs $380,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Sarasota versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sarasota scores 104 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sarasota (97) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sarasota is $52,147 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Virginia Beach.
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