True Cost of Renting in Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is the most populous city in Virginia and a major military hub — NAS Oceana (the Navy's Master Jet Base), Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, and Naval Station Norfolk just across the city border employ over 60,000 military personnel whose BAH rates anchor the entire Hampton Roads rental market. The resort strip and oceanfront add short-term rental competition for the coastal inventory.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Town Center
- Studio:
- $1,500/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,200/mo
Virginia Beach's mixed-use urban center; high-rise apartments with amenity packages above retail and office. Most walkable area in Virginia Beach. Dominion Energy electric. Parking included in most towers. Strong professional demand from corporate and government contractors.
Oceanfront / Resort Area
- Studio:
- $1,600/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $2,000/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,700/mo
Atlantic Avenue resort strip; short-term vacation rental competition drives up long-term prices. Hurricane and flood insurance riders essential. Seasonal employment pattern affects neighbor demographics. Off-season leases may have better availability.
Kempsville / Great Neck
- Studio:
- $1,100/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,900/mo
Suburban residential areas central and north Virginia Beach; proximity to NAS Oceana and JEB Little Creek makes these popular with military families. Car-dependent. BAH rates anchor demand at $1,600–1,900/month for E-5 with dependents.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Dominion Energy Virginia
- Water
- City of Virginia Beach Public Utilities
- Internet
- Cox Communications, Verizon Fios, T-Mobile Home Internet
Commute & Transportation
Virginia Beach is connected to Norfolk via I-264 and US-13 (Military Highway). The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (I-64) crosses to Newport News and Hampton. NAS Oceana is centrally located in Virginia Beach at Oceana Boulevard. JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is in the northeast. The Tide light rail connects Norfolk to Virginia Beach but doesn't yet extend deeply into Virginia Beach proper. Military commutes from Virginia Beach to Norfolk Naval Station can take 30–45 minutes across the water via the HRBT.
Rental Market Overview
Virginia Beach's rental market is stable due to permanent military presence. BAH for E-5 with dependents in the Hampton Roads area runs approximately $1,600–1,800/month, setting a price floor that landlords understand well. Dominion Energy electric bills average $110–180/month in summer. The oceanfront short-term rental market inflates coastal prices year-round. Town Center offers the best urban experience, while Kempsville and military-adjacent areas offer the best BAH value for service members.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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