Cost of Living in Portsmouth, VA
Population 97,299 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Portsmouth lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $229,000 — 25% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Virginia. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 8 miles southwest of Norfolk, Portsmouth falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Norfolk's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portsmouth
The median home value in Portsmouth is $229,400 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,266/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,972/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 69.7°F and lows of 53.1°F, with about 3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Portsmouth has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 50 | 53 | 59 | 70 | 77 | 84 | 89 | 86 | 81 | 72 | 61 | 54 |
| Low °F | 34 | 35 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 68 | 73 | 72 | 67 | 56 | 45 | 38 |
| Precip" | 2.93 | 2.55 | 3.47 | 3.28 | 3.55 | 4.64 | 5.21 | 5.30 | 5.14 | 3.58 | 3.14 | 2.89 |
| Snow" | 2.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Portsmouth, VA?
Portsmouth has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.
What is average rent in Portsmouth, VA?
The median gross rent in Portsmouth is $1,266 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portsmouth?
The median home value in Portsmouth is $229,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portsmouth?
The median household income in Portsmouth is $58,972 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portsmouth, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portsmouth is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Portsmouth, VA affordable?
Yes, Portsmouth is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has average high temperatures of 69.7°F and average lows of 53.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.7". Average annual snowfall is 3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Portsmouth at a Glance
- Population
- 97,299
- Median Income
- $58,972
- Home Value
- $229,400
- Median Rent
- $1,266/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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