Are you considering living in Virginia Beach, VA, or just curious about the cost of living there? Well, this article is all you need. Known for its amazing beaches, lively culture, and diverse economy, Virginia Beach is a beautiful coastal place known for offering a blend of coastal and urban living. Although it’s a great place to live and settle in, it’s important to understand the cost of living before making any relocation decisions. The average cost of living in Virginia Beach depends on various factors, so if you need a detailed explanation and want to know how much does it cost to live in Virginia, keep reading.
1. Housing Costs
If you talk about the most significant components of the cost of living in any city, housing would be one of them. The good thing is that Virginia Beach offers a range of housing options to suit various lifestyles and budgets. Whether you want beachfront properties or houses in suburban neighborhoods, this city has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at the housing costs in Virginia Beach:
Renting a House
Renting can be a good option for you, especially if you prefer flexibility or are not ready to commit to buying a home.
- Apartment – If you want a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, then it would be around $1300 per month. The price may be higher but you have the convenience of being close to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. On the other hand, one-bedroom apartments outside the city center typically cost around $1,000 per month. These areas are quieter and you still get access to city amenities.
- Houses – Inside the city center, the rent for a three-bedroom house would be around $2000 per month. The good thing is that these homes often come with the benefit of proximity to work, schools, and urban amenities. If you go outside the city center, the rent would be around $1600 per month and you can also expect more space and potentially a larger yard at a lower cost.
Buying a House
If you want to settle down, then buying a home in Virginia Beach can be an attractive option.
- Median House Price – The median home price represents the middle of the market and in Virginia Beach, it is around $320,000. You should know that home prices can vary depending on various factors such as neighborhood and proximity to the beach.
- Home Types – The costs also depend on the type of home you want. If you want privacy and space for your family, single-family homes are the most common for these requirements. The average price of these homes starts from $310,000 and goes over $1,100,000. If you are looking for low-maintenance properties, you can look for condos and townhouses.
2. Utilities
Your cost of living will be impacted by the money you spend on utilities such as water, electricity, internet, and more. That’s why it’s important to understand these costs to make your budget more effective. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical utility expenses you can expect:
Electricity and Heating
Electricity and heating can hugely impact your monthly bill. That’s why it’s important to be mindful while using appliances. These costs can vary depending on the size of your home, the number of occupants, and your usage habits. If you have a standard 85m2 (about 900 square feet) apartment, then around $150 will be your average monthly cost for electricity, heating, cooling, and water. Utilize costs are never always the same. In winter, your heating costs will increase and summers will demand higher cooling costs.
Water and Sewer
Water and sewer services are typically billed together and can vary based on your household’s consumption. These are essential services that you will always need, so you must know these costs. If you talk about the average monthly water and sewer bill in Virginia Beach, it’s around $50 to $70. However, some factors such as people in the household, outdoor water use (such as lawn watering), and water conservation practices can help you influence your water usage.
Internet and Cable
Internet and cable services are now necessary as they provide access to online resources, entertainment, and communication. If you talk about the average monthly cost of a 60 Mbps or more unlimited data plan, then it’d be around $60. Different providers have different pricing options and the speed you choose can also impact the cost. If you don’t want traditional cable, you can opt for streaming services as it’s a cost-effective alternative.
3. Transportation
Transportation is another main aspect of the cost of living in Virginia Beach. Whether you have a private vehicle or use public transport, you must understand these costs to budget efficiently.
Public Transportation
- Buses – If you rely on public transportation, then you can use the HRT bus service. A single bus fare is $1.75 but if you travel frequently, you can create a monthly pass for $50, which will offer unlimited rides on all HRT buses. This is a cost-effective option and will be ideal if you live near a bus route. However, service frequency and coverage might not meet the needs of everyone.
- Light Rail – This service primarily serves Norfolk, but the good thing is that it connects to some parts of Virginia Beach. So if you’re commuting between these cities, you can get a single ride for $1.75 and a monthly pass for $50.
Personal Transportation
- Gas – If you travel by your vehicle, then you will spend the most on gasoline. Although prices fluctuate based on seasonal changes and market conditions, a gallon costs $3.00 on average. Coming to the monthly costs, it depend on your driving habits and fuel efficiency. However, a typical driver might spend between $100 and $200 per month on gas.
- Car Insurance – You can take monthly or yearly plans for car insurance. If you take monthly, it will be around $100 per month, and annually, you would have to pay $1200. However, the actual cost will vary based on factors like your age, driving record, type of vehicle, and coverage level. So it’s better to compare different providers to get the best deal. Along with this, you will have to spend on vehicle maintenance, which, on average, is around $500 annually.
4. Groceries
If you’re a single person, then your typical grocery budget is $200 to $400 per month. For a family of four, this can range from $600 to $1,000 per month. Your eating habits and dietary needs can influence these costs but this is the average you should expect to spend.
Average Grocery Costs
Here are the average prices for common grocery items:
- Milk (1 gallon): $3.50
- Eggs (dozen): $2.00
- Apples (1 lb): $1.80
- Bread (1 loaf): $2.50
- Chicken breasts (1 lb): $3.50
- Potatoes (1 lb): $1.00
5. Healthcare
Health Insurance
- Employer-Sponsored Insurance – If you work for a reputed company, you will receive health insurance through your employers. Employees typically pay an average monthly premium of around $100 to $200 for individual coverage and $400 to $600 for family coverage.
- Private Insurance – You will need private insurance if you don’t have employer-sponsored insurance. There are many providers in the market and monthly premiums can range from $300 to $600 for individual coverage, depending on the plan and coverage level.
Medical Facilities and Services
- Hospitals – Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital is one of the leading healthcare providers, which offers all the necessary services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments. Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center is another good provider known for its outpatient surgical services and advanced medical care.
- Clinics and Urgent Care – You also have options like Patient First which provides urgent care services, primary care, and occupational health services with extended hours for convenience. If you need walk-in medical care for minor illnesses and injuries, MinuteClinic at CVS is a good option.
Average Healthcare Costs
- Doctor Visits – If you need a primary care physician, then an average visit would cost around $100 to $200 without insurance. For special visits to a dermatologist or cardiologist, it can cost between $150 and $300 per visit without insurance.
- Emergency Room Visits – If you need emergency room visits, then it would be more expensive and can range between $500 to $1500, depending on the severity of the condition and the tests required. If you have insurance, the out-of-pocket cost can be significantly lower, typically around $100 to $300 after co-pays and deductibles
Now the question is “Is Virginia expensive to live in?” Well, Virginia Beach is a perfect place for anyone who wants to live a peaceful life while having access to all the modern amenities. However, understanding the different expenses is essential to avoid unexpected financial burdens. While the cost of living varies depending on your lifestyle and specific needs, Virginia Beach remains a relatively affordable option compared to many other coastal cities.
So whether you’re drawn to the area for its beautiful scenery, job opportunities, or quality of life, remember housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, healthcare, education, and entertainment all contribute to the overall cost of living. If you have decided to move in, it’s better to use movers in Virginia Beach, VA to ensure the safety of your belongings and a hassle-free move.
