Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Virginia Beach, Virginia

In Virginia Beach, Virginia, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.97 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.09 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,787, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Virginia Beach's cost-of-living index of 98 puts it below the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.97

National: $4.06

206.5%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,787

National: $1,900

38.5%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$12.61

Combo meal

4.0%YoY

Electricity

15.87¢

per kWh · ~$143/mo

8.7%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$157/mo

$1,880/yr

12.6%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$90,685

31% goes to essentials

31.0%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

Avg $1,880 in Virginia Beach. Compare rates:

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Find Apartments

Avg rent $1,787/mo in Virginia Beach. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$5.36 BLS avg

+27.3%

Bacon (lb)

$7.75 BLS avg

+19.0%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.65 BLS avg

+19.2%

Pasta (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+34.2%

Rice (5 lb)

$5.23 BLS avg

+29.5%

Coffee (12 oz)

$11.82 BLS avg

+37.4%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$5.45 BLS avg

+44.6%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.55 BLS avg

+15.8%

Apples (3 lb)

$5.27 BLS avg

+14.6%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.72 BLS avg

+24.8%

Lettuce (head)

$2.41 BLS avg

+29.6%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.75 BLS avg

+41.9%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$5.06 BLS avg

+21.3%

Cereal (family size)

$6.47 BLS avg

+34.5%

Frozen Pizza

$8.44 BLS avg

+40.0%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$12.61

Casual Dining

$24.25

Monthly Spend

$414.75

+3.95% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $7.82

$12.61

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $8.83

$13.62

+54.2%

Chipotle

2022: $9.46

$14.12

+49.3%

Starbucks

2022: $4.46

$6.20

+39.0%

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Looking for an Apartment in Virginia Beach?

Average 1BR: $1,465/mo · 2BR: $2,109/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

179k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,115

$58k/yr

Top Sector

Professional & Business Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$91k

household median

Employment by Sector — Virginia Beach

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Professional & Business Services
+4.0% 5yr$1,505/wk
16.1%

~$78k/yr

Education & Health Services
+3.9% 5yr$1,189/wk
15.8%

~$62k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
+0.8% 5yr$505/wk
15.8%

~$26k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
-1.6% 5yr$861/wk
15.8%

~$45k/yr

Financial Activities
-13.4% 5yr$1,606/wk
6.2%

~$84k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 51810

Highest Paying Sector

Financial Activities

$1,606/wk · $84k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$505/wk · $26k/yr

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