Salary & Cost of Living in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach, VA: $65,000 median salary, cost of living index 105, $12.41/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$65,000
$31/hr
Cost of Living
105
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$12.41
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Virginia Beach, VA Overview
Population
459,470
Median Salary
$65,000
Average Salary
$72,000
Avg Commute
25 min
Median Home Price
$310,000
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Job Growth
+1.8%
Sales Tax
6%
Virginia Beach is located in Virginia with a population of 459,470. The median household salary is $65,000 per year ($31/hour), which is $5,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.8%.
Virginia Beach Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Virginia Beach, VA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$50,376
$4,198.00/month · $1,937.54/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.5%
Gross Pay
$65,000
Federal Tax
-$5,914
State Tax
-$3,738
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,973
Net Pay
$50,376
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,416.67 | $65,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$492.83 | -$5,914.00 |
| Virginia State Tax (5.75%) | -$311.46 | -$3,737.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$335.83 | -$4,030.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$78.54 | -$942.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,198.00 | $50,376.00 |
Salary Comparison: Virginia Beach vs Other Cities
See how Virginia Beach's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA | $65,000 | 105 | $61,905 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Long Beach, CA | $65,000 | 148 | $43,919 |
| Oceanside, CA | $65,000 | 145 | $44,828 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $65,000 | 100 | $65,000 |
| Pembroke Pines, FL | $65,000 | 115 | $56,522 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100). Living in Virginia Beach is 5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$310,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Annual Rent Cost
$16,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $50,376 annual take-home pay in Virginia Beach has the purchasing power of approximately $47,977 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $68,250 in Virginia Beach to match a $65,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $65,000.
Salary Tips for Virginia Beach Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.75% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Virginia Beach's top industries include Military, Tourism, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $65,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Virginia Beach, VA?
The median salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $65,000 per year, or $31 per hour. The average salary is $72,000. This is $5,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA?
Virginia Beach's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $310,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,400.
What are the best industries in Virginia Beach?
The top industries in Virginia Beach, VA include Military, Tourism, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1.8% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $65,000.
How does Virginia Beach's salary compare to other cities?
Virginia Beach's median salary of $65,000 is 9.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 105), the real purchasing power is approximately $61,905.
What is the minimum wage in Virginia Beach, VA?
The minimum wage in Virginia Beach, VA is $12.41 per hour. This equals approximately $25,813 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $5.16 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.