Portsmouth and Virginia Beach are both coastal cities in Virginia, each providing unique lifestyle and atmosphere. While Virginia Beach tends to be more tourist-driven with a higher cost of living, Portsmouth, on the other hand, is generally more affordable and offers a more laid-back, neighborhood-centric vibe. Comparing the two can shed light on their distinct characteristics in terms of crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, among other factors which would be extensively looked into in this serving.
Distance between
Virginia Beach, VA and
Portsmouth, VA : 14.3 miles
Virginia Beach's population is larger by 368%. Its population has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) since 2000. The population of Portsmouth has decreased by 2,725 people (2.7%) during that time.
Virginia Beach, with its larger population, has a higher volume of crime, but the overall crime rate (both property and violent crime) is significantly less than Portsmouth. This could be due to Virginia Beach's extensive tourist industry and a higher number of police patrols in the area. Tourists and locals alike may feel safer in Virginia Beach. However, Portsmouth has been undertaking community-based initiatives to improve policing and reduce crime, making it relatively safe as well.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 608 registered sex offenders living in Virginia Beach and 336 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Virginia Beach is 744 to 1; the ratio in Portsmouth is 289 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Virginia Beach than in Portsmouth.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Virginia Beach tends to be higher than in Portsmouth. This is reflective in aspects such as housing, utilities, and some services. This may be due to the higher demand from tourists and a generally higher median income in Virginia Beach. On the other hand, Portsmouth offers a more affordable lifestyle, being attractive for those looking for a urban-suburban mix lifestyle at lower costs.
Income Tax
Virginia has a progressive state income tax that is the same throughout the state, including both Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. The tax rate ranges from 2% on the first $3,000 of taxable income to 5.75% on taxable income over $17,000.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Virginia are primarily administered and collected by local governments, so the rates can differ. Virginia Beach generally has a lower property tax rate than Portsmouth due to its higher property values and broader tax base.
Sales Tax
Both Portsmouth and Virginia Beach share the same state sales tax rate of 4.3% in addition to a 1% local sales tax. Their respective costs of living may be influenced slightly by the state's relatively moderate tax climate.
Income
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Estimated median household income
$81,634
$54,429
Estimated per capita income
$42,498
$31,317
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97
96.3
If you make $50,000 in Portsmouth, you will have to make $50,363 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities enjoy coastal locations. Virginia Beach boasts of miles of sandy beaches, a key tourist attraction, and is also home to several state parks and wildlife refuges. Portsmouth, although being a port city, has less of a beach emphasis but features scenic river views and green spaces.
Virginia Beach's public school system is often rated higher than Portsmouth's, offering a broad range of programs and services for students. There are also several higher education institutions in close proximity to Virginia Beach, such as Regent University and Atlantic University. Portsmouth, while having a smaller education system, has a strong community college presence with Tidewater Community College.
Virginia Beach's economy is greatly driven by tourism, defense and international commerce whereas Portsmouth’s economy is more reliant on the shipbuilding industry and healthcare sector. Both cities host a range of small businesses contributing positively to the local economy. Job growth in Virginia Beach has been on the rise in recent years making it attractive for job seekers.
Biggest Employers
The military and related defense industries are among the biggest employers in Virginia Beach, alongside the tourism sector. In Portsmouth, the naval shipyard and the medical field, with Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, are major employers.
There were 335 building permits issued in Virginia Beach in 2012 (200 less than in 2011) compared to 196 building permits issued in Portsmouth in 2012 (43 more than in 2011).
In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Portsmouth (Portsmouth city), 71.2% voted for Democrats and 28.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
2020
51.6%
69.4%
46.2%
28.6%
2.2%
2.0%
2016
44.8%
65.9%
48.4%
29.6%
6.8%
4.6%
2012
48.1%
71.2%
50.7%
28.1%
1.2%
0.7%
2008
49.3%
69.8%
50.1%
30.2%
0.6%
0.0%
2004
40.4%
61.1%
59.3%
38.6%
0.4%
0.3%
2000
41.8%
63.0%
56.1%
35.7%
2.1%
1.3%
1996
41.4%
62.6%
50.6%
30.2%
8.0%
7.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
CATHOLIC CHURCH
10.7%
3.7%
4.2%
2.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.9%
11.2%
13.6%
20.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
1.0%
4.2%
4.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
3.6%
0.4%
0.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
3.3%
0.4%
3.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.6%
1.5%
2.5%
VINEYARD USA
0.4%
0.0%
1.1%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.0%
0.4%
0.0%
Weather
Both cities enjoy a moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters, typical of the Mid-Atlantic region. Being coastal cities, they both receive a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year but Virginia Beach sees more sunshine annually, making it a popular summer destination. Depending on individuals' preferences, the weather in either city can be an attraction or a deterrent.
Weather and climate
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Temperature - Average
59.7°F
59.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
32%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
83%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.9 in
47.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
15.4 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.6%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.8%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
53%
53%
Wind speed - Average
10.4 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Average climate in Portsmouth, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
2018
57
58
0.27
0.29
6.3
6.9
31.3
30.4
0.002
0.002
6.1
6.1
0.4
0.3
2017
60
60
0.22
0.23
6.8
7.5
33.2
32.5
0.002
0.002
6.9
6.9
0.3
0.3
2016
66
66
0.21
0.22
6.5
7.2
31.7
31.0
0.002
0.002
6.1
6.1
0.4
0.3
2015
57
57
0.27
0.27
7.3
8.0
33.8
32.9
0.002
0.002
6.4
6.4
0.5
0.5
2014
59
61
0.27
0.28
7.5
8.2
33.8
33.0
0.002
0.002
6.8
6.8
1.1
1.2
2013
66
68
0.28
0.28
7.1
7.7
31.2
30.5
0.002
0.002
6.8
6.8
1.1
1.2
2012
76
78
0.29
0.29
7.8
8.3
34.6
33.6
0.002
0.002
8.1
8.1
1.1
1.1
2011
66
69
0.27
0.27
9.2
10.1
35.1
34.3
0.003
0.003
8.8
8.8
1.7
1.7
2010
71
81
0.25
0.23
4.8
6.4
38.4
37.6
0.004
0.004
N/A
N/A
2.2
2.3
2009
51
55
0.25
0.23
9.7
9.8
31.5
31.3
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.4
2008
77
82
0.23
0.24
10.3
10.3
36.2
36.1
0.004
0.004
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.4
2007
81
82
0.18
0.17
12.2
12.2
36.3
36.7
0.004
0.004
N/A
N/A
4.3
4.6
2006
62
64
0.32
0.33
N/A
N/A
36.2
37.0
0.004
0.004
N/A
N/A
3.4
3.4
2005
67
71
0.28
0.28
N/A
N/A
35.4
35.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
3.4
2004
80
82
0.30
0.29
15.9
15.9
33.3
33.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
4.3
2003
84
84
0.34
0.34
16.2
16.2
34.3
34.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
4.0
2002
99
99
0.40
0.40
17.8
17.8
38.0
38.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.9
6.0
2001
92
92
0.42
0.42
18.2
18.2
36.3
36.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.0
6.0
2000
85
87
0.44
0.44
15.7
15.7
36.5
37.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
6.6
Natural disasters
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
61.5%
74.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
35.2%
36.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
0%
0%
Transportation
Both cities have comprehensive public transportation systems operated by Hampton Roads Transit. Virginia Beach has a slightly better road network, crucial for its tourism industry. Portsmouth, which is smaller, also offers ample options for commuting, including bus, ferry, and rail services.
Transport
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
374
17
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
1%
1.5%
Carpooled
9.5%
9.2%
Car alone
84.2%
85.1%
Ferryboat
0%
0.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.1%
Taxicab
0%
0.2%
Walked
3.2%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Average
24.8 min
28.5 min
Other means
23.7 min
23.5 min
Public transportation
41.9 min
46 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
90.3%
89.2%
In 2 person carpool
8%
8.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Virginia Beach generally has higher real estate prices, driven by demand from both full-time residents and holiday homeowners. Portsmouth is more affordable with a variety of housing options from single-family homes to townhouses and condos, making it a good choice for those looking for value-for-money housing.
Neighborhoods
Virginia Beach is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics, from the touristy Virginia Beach Town Center to the surf-centric Sandbridge. Portsmouth's neighborhoods, on the other hand, offer a mix of urban and suburban feel with historic areas like Olde Towne providing a charming backdrop.
Houses and residents
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
Houses
190,981
43,306
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.5
Median year apartment built
1988
1969
Median year house/condo built
1983
1965
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
14.4 years
Houses occupied
182,775 (95.7%)
40,827 (94.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
119,144 (65.2%)
22,918 (56.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
63,631 (34.8%)
17,909 (43.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,833
$533.11
Median monthly housing costs
$1,490
$1,162
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$508,833
$269,100
Estimated median house or condo value
$328,500
$221,500
Median numbers of rooms
6
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.6
4.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$459,164
$231,939
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$200,674
$106,249
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$279,464
$68,019
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$229,647
$164,496
Median house price - mobile homes
$143,239
$213,890
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$261,878
$203,421
Median house price - All housing units
$401,957
$225,891
Median house age
36
54
Renting percentage
34.7%
41.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
769.2
1,306
House value disparities
29%
26.2%
Household income disparities
40.6%
45.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$104,941
$73,884
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$82,507
$54,481
Housing units without a mortgage
2,373 (2.6%)
278 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,070 (10%)
925 (5.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
88,748 (97.4%)
16,283 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
287 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
10,952 (12%)
1,617 (9.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
One, detached
53.2%
61.6%
One, attached
18.3%
8.8%
Two
1.7%
4.4%
3 or 4
4.6%
6.1%
5 to 9
9.0%
10.2%
10 to 19
4.5%
3.0%
20 to 49
2.1%
1.4%
50 or more
5.4%
3.9%
Mobile homes
1.1%
0.6%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Both cities have good healthcare facilities. Virginia Beach, with a larger population and significant tourist traffic, has more extensive healthcare services, including a number of state-of-the-art hospitals. Portsmouth, while smaller, also offers quality healthcare through facilities like the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Virginia Beach, being a popular tourist destination, boasts advanced infrastructure with numerous resorts, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. Portsmouth, while not as grand, still maintains well-developed infrastructure that supports its local residents, including hospitals, libraries, parks, and a decent downtown area that houses numerous small businesses.
Industries and Occupations
The largest industries in Virginia Beach are retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and accommodation and food services, serving the large tourist population. In contrast, Portsmouth, being home to one of the largest naval shipyards in the world, has its largest industries in public administration, healthcare, and retail trade.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth
2003
941
275
2004
1,388
405
2005
1,545
500
2006
1,502
576
2007
1,073
348
2008
340
97
2009
167
37
Culture and Food
Both cities have a rich cultural scene, but their food scenes show a marked difference. Virginia Beach, with its high volume of tourists, has a more diverse variety of food options, ranging from upscale dining to ethnic eateries and beachside cafes. In comparison, Portsmouth has a compact but vibrant food scene, offering traditional Southern and seafood fare.
Sports Teams
Professional sports teams aren't prominent in either Portsmouth or Virginia Beach. However, semi-professional sports, youth sports, and water-based recreational activities like surfing and boating are popular in both places.
Virginia Beach, VA
Portsmouth, VA
