State Comparison

Florida vs Virginia

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

5
Florida
FL
vs
of 16 metrics
11
Virginia
VA

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
FL: 102.8
VA: 103.7
FL

Housing

Median Home Price
FL: $400,000
VA: $380,000
VA
Median 2BR Rent
FL: $1,567/mo
VA: $1,425/mo
VA
Closing Costs
FL: 2.50%
VA: 2.70%
FL
Transfer Tax Rate
FL: 0.70%
VA: 0.25%
VA

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
FL: 0.89%
VA: 0.82%
VA
Top Income Tax Rate
FL: None
VA: 5.75%
FL
Sales Tax Rate
FL: 6.00%
VA: 5.30%
VA
Capital Gains Tax Rate
FL: None
VA: 5.75%
FL

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
FL: $67,917
VA: $80,615
VA
Minimum Wage
FL: $13.00/hr
VA: $12.00/hr
FL
Max Unemployment Benefit
FL: $275/wk
VA: $378/wk
VA

Business

LLC Filing Fee
FL: $125
VA: $100
VA
LLC Annual Fee
FL: $138
VA: $50
VA

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
FL: $2,560/yr
VA: $1,430/yr
VA
Avg Home Insurance
FL: $4,200/yr
VA: $1,550/yr
VA

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Virginia leads in 11 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $400,000 in Florida vs $380,000 in Virginia — a $20,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Florida has no income tax while Virginia has a 5.75% top rate. Property tax rates are 0.89% vs 0.82%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Florida's index is 102.8 and Virginia's is 103.7 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Florida or Virginia more affordable?

Florida has a lower cost of living index (102.8) compared to Virginia (103.7), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Florida or Virginia?

Overall, Florida has a lower combined tax burden. Florida has no income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.89% property tax. Virginia has a 5.75% top income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.82% property tax.

What are housing costs in Florida vs Virginia?

The median home price in Florida is $400,000 compared to $380,000 in Virginia. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,567/month in Florida vs $1,425/month in Virginia.

Which state is better for starting a business — Florida or Virginia?

LLC filing costs are $125 in Florida vs $100 in Virginia, with annual fees of $138 and $50 respectively. Florida's lack of income tax compared to Virginia's 5.75% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Florida to Virginia?

It depends on your priorities. Virginia wins in 11 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Comparing Florida and Virginia

When deciding between living in Florida or Virginia, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Florida (FL) has a median household income of $67,917 with a cost of living index of 102.8. Virginia (VA) has a median household income of $80,615 with a cost of living index of 103.7.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Florida calculator or Virginia calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.