Portsmouth, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA: Cost of Living Comparison
Portsmouth has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Portsmouth | Virginia Beach | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 80 | 107 | Portsmouth |
| Housing | 66 ($886) | 105 ($1,154) | Portsmouth |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 101 ($3.50) | Virginia Beach |
| Food & groceries | 79 ($324) | 121 ($496) | Portsmouth |
| Utilities | 83 ($119) | 103 ($189) | Portsmouth |
| Healthcare | 83 ($86) | 103 ($137) | Portsmouth |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 115 ($55,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portsmouth, VA or Virginia Beach, VA cheaper to live in?
Portsmouth, VA is cheaper overall by about 27 index points (Portsmouth, VA: 80, Virginia Beach, VA: 107; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Portsmouth, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA?
A single adult needs roughly $28,000/year in Portsmouth, VA and $37,450/year in Virginia Beach, VA to cover basic living costs.