Virginia Beach: The Data Profile (2026)

Virginia Beach presents a statistical anomaly in the 2026 coastal real estate landscape. With a population of 453,649, it operates as a mid-size city with the economic output of a larger hub. The median income sits at $91,141, a robust 22.2% above the US median of $74,580. This income premium is compounded by a highly educated workforce, where 40.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Hybrid Coastal Professional." This cohort, aged 28-45, leverages remote work flexibility to reside near the Atlantic while maintaining proximity to the Washington D.C. metro economic sphere. The cost of living index for housing at 92.5 (a 7.5% discount to the national average) allows this demographic to capitalize on the income premium without the exorbitant costs found in comparable coastal cities.

Cost of Living Analysis

[TABLE 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)]

Deep Dive: Disposable Income Analysis
The economic advantage of Virginia Beach is the delta between the $91,141 median income and the sub-100 cost indices across essential sectors. A single earner utilizing the median income sees a monthly gross of approximately $7,595. After accounting for the $2,612 monthly budget, the disposable income remaining is substantial compared to the national curve. The specific leverage point is electricity, priced at 14.41 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. Over a year, this 9.9% utility savings compounds, effectively subsidizing the "coastal premium" of living near the Atlantic.

Housing Market Deep Dive

[TABLE 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)]

Buy vs. Rent Analysis
The data indicates a distinct advantage for renting in the short-to-medium term (1-3 years). The $1,287 rent for a 1-bedroom unit is 16.9% below the national average, while the median home price of $375,000 is only 9.6% below average. However, the Price-to-Square-Foot ratio of $210—a 14.3% discount—suggests that buying is a high-value long-term play for those seeking space. For the remote worker, the "Rent-to-Income" ratio is favorable, hovering around 20% of gross median income for a 1-bedroom, leaving significant capital for investment elsewhere.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates of 2025 and 2026 have had a muted impact on Virginia Beach due to its unique position. While local government and defense sectors (Naval Air Station Oceana) have seen 60-70% in-office requirements, the private tech and service sectors have embraced a 40% hybrid model. The average commute time sits at 24.5 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 28.0 minutes, due to the lack of a central "gridlock" metro core.

The unemployment rate is a critical economic stabilizer here, resting at 3.5% against a US average of 4.0%. This sub-4% figure indicates a tight labor market favoring the employee, particularly in the educated demographic (40.5% college educated). The stability is anchored by federal spending and tourism, creating a recession-resistant floor for the local economy.

Quality of Life Audit

[TABLE 3: Quality of Life Metrics]

Safety & Crime
Safety is a major selling point. Violent crime is recorded at 208 incidents per 100k residents, which is 45% lower than the US average of 380. Property crime, however, is 1,679 per 100k, which is roughly on par with the national average of 2,000, though still slightly better. This suggests that while personal safety is excellent, property security remains a standard US concern.

Air Quality & Environment
Virginia Beach boasts an excellent air quality profile with an AQI average of 42 (Good) and PM2.5 levels at 6.0 µg/m³. This is 28% cleaner than the US average PM2.5 level of 8.4 µg/m³, a significant health benefit for respiratory conditions.

Schools & Weather
The intersection of health data and lifestyle is evident in the 36.5% obesity rate (vs 31.9% US average), likely influenced by the "fried seafood" culinary culture. However, the weather today—High 71°F, Low 56°F—and the generally mild climate support outdoor activity year-round. The school systems, supported by a 40.5% college-educated populace, maintain solid funding metrics, though specific district data varies by neighborhood.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost Delta: Median income of $91,141 with a housing index of 92.5 creates a high disposable income environment.
• Safety: Violent crime is 45% lower than the national average (208 vs 380).
• Air Quality: PM2.5 levels at 6.0 µg/m³ are 28% better than the US average.
• Commute: Average commute of 24.5 minutes beats the national average.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 36.5% is significantly higher than the 31.9% national average.
• Property Crime: While not alarming, it remains an average risk (1,679/100k).
• Economic Concentration: Reliance on defense and tourism creates specific sector vulnerabilities.

Recommendation:
Virginia Beach is a Strong Buy (Rent) for 2026. It offers the financial efficiency of a "second-tier" city with the coastal amenities of a "first-tier" location. It is ideal for the Hybrid Professional seeking to maximize the $91,141 median income while enjoying a 42 AQI. However, it is not recommended for those highly sensitive to humidity or those prioritizing a "fitness-first" cultural environment, given the obesity metrics.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Virginia Beach?
Based on the $2,612 monthly budget for a single person, a "comfortable" lifestyle (including savings and leisure) requires a salary of approximately $70,000. However, the median income of $91,141 allows for significant wealth building.

2. How does the value compare to other coastal cities?
Virginia Beach is 9.6% cheaper than the US median home price, whereas cities like Virginia Beach, VA (comparable to Norfolk) or Richmond are seeing indices of 105+. You get 14.3% more square footage for your dollar here compared to the national average.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 208 per 100k is statistically robust and places the city in the top tier of safety for mid-sized US cities. The property crime rate of 1,679 per 100k is slightly below the national average, making it a safe bet statistically.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
The housing market is most active in Q2 (Spring). However, renting in Q4 (Winter) often yields better negotiation leverage as the tourist season dies down. With current weather at 63.0°F, immediate relocation offers a mild acclimation period before the summer humidity spikes.