What salary do you need to live comfortably in Virginia Beach?

Wondering what salary you need to live comfortably in Virginia Beach? My latest guide breaks down realistic income ranges for singles, military families, couples, and families so you can plan your move with confidence.

Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor®, is a Coastal Virginia and North Carolina real estate expert helping buyers, sellers, military families, and investors navigate the Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and Outer Banks markets.

One of the most common questions I hear from people considering a move to Coastal Virginia is:

"What salary do I need to live comfortably in Virginia Beach?"

The answer depends on your lifestyle, family size, housing goals, and where you choose to live.

A single professional renting an apartment near Town Center will have a very different budget than a family buying a home in Great Neck or a military family relocating near NAS Oceana.

As someone who grew up here, lives here, and serves here, I've helped many families make this move. The good news is that Virginia Beach offers a wide variety of housing options and lifestyles, making it possible for people at different income levels to enjoy living here.

Let's break it down.

What Does "Living Comfortably" Mean?

For most people, living comfortably means:

• Paying your bills without stress

• Affording housing that fits your needs

• Having money for savings and emergencies

• Enjoying restaurants, activities, and travel occasionally

• Not feeling stretched every month

Everyone's definition is slightly different, but this gives us a good starting point.

Salary for a Single Professional

If you're a single professional moving to Virginia Beach, your biggest expense will likely be housing.

Many young professionals choose areas such as:

• Town Center

• Pembroke

• Chic's Beach

• Oceanfront

• Kempsville

Depending on your housing choice, many singles find they can live comfortably with an income somewhere in the $60,000 to $85,000 range.

At this level, many people can comfortably cover:

• Rent or mortgage

• Utilities

• Transportation

• Entertainment

• Dining out

• Retirement contributions

Of course, if you're purchasing a home or carrying significant student loan debt, your comfort level may require a higher income.

Salary for Military Families

Virginia Beach has one of the largest military communities in the country.

Many military families relocating here are stationed at:

• NAS Oceana

• Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story

• Naval Station Norfolk

• Various military support facilities throughout Hampton Roads

Military families often have advantages that help stretch their budget, including:

• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

• VA loan eligibility

• Healthcare benefits

• Military relocation assistance

For many military households, the combination of military benefits and household income creates a comfortable lifestyle.

Popular military-friendly neighborhoods include:

• Red Mill

• Ocean Lakes

• Salem

• Kempsville

• Princess Anne

• Little Neck

Many military families find Virginia Beach offers an excellent balance between quality of life and affordability compared to other military markets around the country.

Salary for Couples Without Children

Couples often have more flexibility because expenses are shared.

Many couples relocating to Virginia Beach choose neighborhoods like:

• Great Neck

• Kempsville

• Town Center

• Princess Anne

• Chic's Beach

A household income between approximately $90,000 and $140,000 often provides a comfortable lifestyle depending on housing choices.

This typically allows room for:

• Homeownership

• Travel

• Dining out

• Retirement savings

• Recreational activities

Virginia Beach offers plenty to enjoy outside of work, including beaches, boating, fishing, festivals, golf courses, parks, and waterfront dining.

Salary for Families with Children

Families with children often have additional expenses that can significantly affect monthly budgets.

These may include:

• Childcare

• Sports and activities

• School-related expenses

• Larger housing needs

• Increased healthcare expenses

Many families relocating here focus on areas such as:

• Great Neck

• Little Neck

• Red Mill

• Ocean Lakes

• Princess Anne

• Kellam District neighborhoods

For many households, an income between $120,000 and $180,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle while supporting family goals and homeownership.

Again, the exact number depends heavily on the size of the home and neighborhood selected.

How Housing Impacts Your Salary Requirements

Housing is usually the biggest factor in determining how much income you need.

Let's look at a few examples.

Scenario 1: Condo Living

A buyer purchasing a smaller condo or townhome may have lower monthly expenses and require less household income.

This can work well for:

• First-time buyers

• Singles

• Retirees

• Military members

Scenario 2: Typical Family Home

A family purchasing a three- or four-bedroom home in areas like Kempsville, Salem, or Princess Anne may have moderate monthly housing costs.

This is often where many relocating families begin their search.

Scenario 3: Waterfront or Luxury Living

Neighborhoods such as:

• Bay Colony

• North End

• Croatan

• Great Neck Point

• Sandbridge

can require significantly higher household incomes due to:

• Larger mortgages

• Higher insurance costs

• Property maintenance

• Waterfront considerations

For buyers seeking luxury or waterfront lifestyles, salary expectations naturally increase.

Other Costs People Forget About

When planning a move to Virginia Beach, don't forget:

Utilities

Summer air conditioning and winter heating costs can vary depending on the size and age of your home.

Insurance

Homeowners insurance and flood insurance can differ dramatically depending on location.

HOA Fees

Some communities have little to no HOA involvement, while others offer amenities such as pools, clubhouses, and landscaping services.

Transportation

Commuting distance matters.

Living closer to work may save both time and money.

Recreation

Many residents enjoy boating, fishing, paddleboarding, surfing, golf, and other outdoor activities that become part of the Coastal Virginia lifestyle.

Is Virginia Beach Affordable Compared to Other Coastal Cities?

For many people relocating from larger metropolitan areas, the answer is yes.

Compared to many coastal markets in:

• California

• New York

• New Jersey

• Florida

• Northern Virginia

Virginia Beach often provides more space, lower taxes, and a strong quality of life.

That's one reason so many families continue to relocate here every year.

So What Salary Do You Really Need?

A simple rule of thumb is this:

• Single professionals often feel comfortable starting around $60,000 to $85,000+

• Couples often feel comfortable around $90,000 to $140,000+

• Families often feel comfortable around $120,000 to $180,000+

• Luxury and waterfront buyers may require significantly higher incomes

Your personal goals, debt levels, savings habits, and housing preferences will ultimately determine what's comfortable for you.

Final Thoughts

Virginia Beach offers something many people are looking for today.

Beautiful beaches. Strong communities. Military support. Great recreation. Diverse neighborhoods. And housing options that fit a wide range of budgets.

The key isn't finding a specific salary number.

It's finding the neighborhood and housing situation that fits your lifestyle and long-term goals.

If you're considering a move to Virginia Beach, I'd be happy to help you understand local neighborhoods, home prices, and what your budget can realistically buy in today's market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $100,000 a good salary in Virginia Beach?

For many households, yes. It can provide a comfortable lifestyle depending on housing costs and family size.

Can you live comfortably in Virginia Beach on $75,000 per year?

Many single professionals and some couples can live comfortably on this income depending on their housing and debt obligations.

What is considered middle class in Virginia Beach?

The answer varies depending on household size, but many households earning between approximately $75,000 and $150,000 fall into that range.

Is Virginia Beach cheaper than Northern Virginia?

Generally, yes. Housing and overall living costs are often lower than many Northern Virginia communities.

Is Virginia Beach a good place to raise a family?

Many families choose Virginia Beach because of its schools, neighborhoods, parks, military support, and coastal lifestyle.

Internal Links to Add

• Moving to Virginia Beach in 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Relocate

• Is Virginia Beach Expensive? A Real Cost Breakdown for Homebuyers

• Cost of Living in Virginia Beach in 2026

• Is Virginia Beach a Good Place for Military Families to Live?

About the Author

Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor® is a Coastal Virginia and North Carolina real estate expert serving buyers, sellers, military families, and investors throughout Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, and the Outer Banks.

A longtime Virginia Beach resident and proud military family member, Dr. Bain understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with military relocation.

She specializes in helping clients confidently navigate the real estate market whether they are buying their first home, relocating for military orders, purchasing a vacation property, or investing in coastal real estate.

When she's not helping clients find the perfect home, Dr. Bain enjoys body boarding, volunteering in the community, and spending time with family.

"I grew up here. I live here. I serve here!"

Dr. Maura Bain, Realtor®BHHS RW Towne Realty

Serving Virginia Beach • Hampton Roads • Outer Banks

Call or Text: 757-418-2139

Website: MauraBainHomes.com

#Maurasellsthebeach

Referrals from friends and family are the highest compliment.