Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida, and Virginia Beach, the most populous city in Virginia, both offer their unique pros and cons. This comparative analysis focuses on both cities in terms of crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, and several other crucial aspects. Each city has its distinct culture, geography, and economy, attracting different types of residents and tourists. Read on to get a comprehensive understanding of what it's like to live, work, or visit these vibrant American cities.
Distance between
Jacksonville, FL and
Virginia Beach, VA : 552.5 miles
Jacksonville's population is larger by 109%. Its population has grown by 218,997 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Virginia Beach has grown by 32,415 people (7.6%) during that time.
In terms of safety, Virginia Beach stands out with a comparatively lower crime rate than Jacksonville. Virginia Beach is ranked as one of the safest cities of its size in the United States. However, Jacksonville has put in considerable efforts to improve its safety standards in recent years, and crime rates have been decreasing. Regardless, it's always advisable for residents and tourists alike to stay aware and follow local ordinances in any city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Jacksonville is generally lower than in Virginia Beach. This is demonstrated in the lower median home cost and more affordable basic amenities. On average, a resident of Virginia Beach will spend more on housing, health care, and groceries than those living in Jacksonville.
Income Tax
On city and state income tax, Jacksonville residents face no income tax as per Florida state law. In contrast, Virginia Beach residents pay state income tax, the rate of which ranges from 2% to 5.75% based on residents' income level.
Property Tax
In terms of property tax, Jacksonville residents generally pay less than those in Virginia Beach. Florida has a property tax rate lower than the national average, while Virginia's rates are slightly above it.
Sales Tax
Florida, including Jacksonville, has no state income tax, which can be a major advantage. Virginia, on the other hand, has a state income tax that varies based on income. However, it's worth noting that the sales tax in Jacksonville is higher compared to Virginia Beach.
Income
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Estimated median household income
$58,621
$81,634
Estimated per capita income
$32,953
$42,498
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.3
97
If you make $50,000 in Jacksonville, you will have to make $54,926 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, each city offers unique attractions. Jacksonville is situated on the banks of the St. Johns River and near the Atlantic Ocean, offering river and beach-bound activities. Virginia Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Virginia where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, offers beautiful beaches and water-based recreation.
In the education sector, Virginia Beach outshines Jacksonville with its well-rated public schools, which rank above the national average. Moreover, Virginia Beach is also near several reputable universities. Jacksonville also offers good schooling options, and the presence of noteworthy colleges like the University of North Florida is a major perk.
Economically, both cities have diverse economies with abundant job opportunities, but in different sectors. Virginia Beach's economy is primarily based on the military, agribusiness, tourism, and the Port of Virginia. Jacksonville’s economy is balanced between distribution, financial services, biomedical technology, consumer goods, information services, manufacturing, insurance, and other industries.
Biggest Employers
Among the biggest employers in Jacksonville are Naval Air Station Jacksonville, the city government, Duval County Public Schools, and Baptist Health. In Virginia Beach, the biggest employers include Naval Air Station Oceana, the city government, Sentara Healthcare, and GEICO.
There were 1,310 building permits issued in Jacksonville in 2012 (353 more than in 2011) compared to 335 building permits issued in Virginia Beach in 2012 (200 less than in 2011).
In Jacksonville (Duval County), 47.9% voted for Democrats and 51.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Virginia Beach (Virginia Beach city), 48.1% voted for Democrats and 50.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
2020
51.3%
51.6%
47.5%
46.2%
1.2%
2.2%
2016
47.2%
44.8%
48.6%
48.4%
4.2%
6.8%
2012
47.9%
48.1%
51.5%
50.7%
0.6%
1.2%
2008
49.0%
49.3%
51.0%
50.1%
0.0%
0.6%
2004
41.7%
40.4%
57.9%
59.3%
0.3%
0.4%
2000
40.9%
41.8%
57.7%
56.1%
1.4%
2.1%
1996
44.2%
41.4%
50.0%
50.6%
5.8%
8.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
15.8%
4.9%
22.3%
13.6%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.0%
10.7%
2.8%
4.2%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.4%
2.3%
4.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.8%
0.6%
0.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
0.9%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.1%
1.4%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.4%
0.2%
0.4%
VINEYARD USA
0.1%
0.4%
0.2%
1.1%
Weather
For weather, Florida's 'Sunshine State,' Jacksonville, wins with an average of 221 sunny days per year, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. However, it can be significantly hot in the summer. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers, and relatively mild winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Temperature - Average
68.3°F
59.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
78.4%
73%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
44%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92%
83%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.8 in
45.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
15.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
17.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.6%
66.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
53%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
10.4 mph
Average climate in Jacksonville, Florida
Average climate in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
2018
78
57
N/A
0.27
6.3
N/A
24.5
31.3
N/A
0.002
7.1
6.1
N/A
0.4
2017
74
60
N/A
0.22
6.8
N/A
24.7
33.2
N/A
0.002
5.8
6.9
0.7
0.3
2016
65
66
0.50
0.21
6.5
N/A
24.9
31.7
N/A
0.002
5.2
6.1
0.4
0.4
2015
63
57
0.35
0.27
7.3
N/A
25.4
33.8
N/A
0.002
4.9
6.4
0.3
0.5
2014
66
59
0.27
0.27
7.5
N/A
24.3
33.8
N/A
0.002
5.9
6.8
0.7
1.1
2013
68
66
0.18
0.28
7.1
N/A
23.0
31.2
N/A
0.002
5.3
6.8
0.7
1.1
2012
66
76
0.10
0.29
7.8
N/A
24.0
34.6
N/A
0.002
5.8
8.1
0.6
1.1
2011
88
66
0.28
0.27
9.2
N/A
26.6
35.1
N/A
0.003
8.1
8.8
0.8
1.7
2010
77
71
0.31
0.25
4.8
N/A
26.4
38.4
N/A
0.004
7.1
N/A
0.8
2.2
2009
72
51
0.16
0.25
9.7
N/A
25.0
31.5
N/A
0.012
8.5
N/A
0.6
2.6
2008
75
77
0.15
0.23
10.3
N/A
27.6
36.2
N/A
0.004
10.0
N/A
0.9
3.3
2007
92
81
0.29
0.18
12.2
N/A
28.4
36.3
N/A
0.004
11.4
N/A
1.2
4.3
2006
87
62
0.35
0.32
N/A
N/A
29.0
36.2
N/A
0.004
10.8
N/A
1.4
3.4
2005
93
67
0.42
0.28
N/A
N/A
26.5
35.4
N/A
N/A
12.2
N/A
1.8
3.4
2004
92
80
0.40
0.30
15.9
N/A
25.2
33.3
N/A
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.4
4.3
2003
55
84
0.43
0.34
16.2
N/A
21.6
34.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
3.9
2002
59
99
0.49
0.40
17.8
N/A
22.2
38.0
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
5.9
2001
74
92
0.49
0.42
18.2
N/A
24.0
36.3
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
6.0
2000
85
85
0.52
0.44
15.7
N/A
25.1
36.5
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
6.5
Natural disasters
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
75.2%
61.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
18.1%
35.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
24%
0%
Transportation
For transportation, Jacksonville offers more options due to its larger size including more extensive bus services and the Jacksonville Skyway. However, Virginia Beach is smaller and can be convenient for those who prefer to commute on a bicycle or on foot rather than relying on public transit.
Transport
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
566
374
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
34
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Bicycle
0.2%
0.2%
Bus
1.1%
1%
Carpooled
9%
9.5%
Car alone
86.5%
84.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.2%
3.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Average
27.5 min
24.8 min
Other means
25 min
23.7 min
Public transportation
43.7 min
41.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
90.3%
In 2 person carpool
8%
8%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Jacksonville tends to be cheaper than in Virginia Beach. Whether one is planning to rent or buy, they are likely to find more opportunities within a given budget in Jacksonville. Virginia Beach’s real estate market, however, might offer better ocean-view listings, appealing to those wanting a beachfront property.
Neighborhoods
Virginia Beach is particularly proud of its clean, safe, and family-friendly neighborhoods such as Great Neck, Bayside, Green Run, or Oceanfront area. Jacksonville's neighborhoods like San Marco, Riverside, and Springfield offer cultural diversity and are known for their entertainment, arts scene, and historic attractions.
Houses and residents
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Houses
422,315
190,981
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.6
Median year apartment built
1985
1988
Median year house/condo built
1987
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.5 years
13.5 years
Houses occupied
386,283 (91.5%)
182,775 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
226,429 (58.6%)
119,144 (65.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
159,854 (41.4%)
63,631 (34.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,444
$1,833
Median monthly housing costs
$1,154
$1,490
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,045
$508,833
Estimated median house or condo value
$239,400
$328,500
Median numbers of rooms
5.6
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
7
Median house price - detached houses
$282,276
$459,164
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$177,341
$200,674
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$144,947
$279,464
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$220,508
$229,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$87,589
$143,239
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$213,709
$261,878
Median house price - All housing units
$266,926
$401,957
Median house age
36
36
Renting percentage
38.3%
34.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
557.4
769.2
House value disparities
33.2%
29%
Household income disparities
44.2%
40.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$83,160
$104,941
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,777
$82,507
Housing units without a mortgage
2,439 (1.6%)
2,373 (2.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,460 (5.5%)
9,070 (10%)
Housing units with a mortgage
150,468 (98.4%)
88,748 (97.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
255 (0.2%)
287 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,378 (7.4%)
10,952 (12%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.4%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
One, detached
59.4%
53.2%
One, attached
6.1%
18.3%
Two
2.1%
1.7%
3 or 4
5.3%
4.6%
5 to 9
5.0%
9.0%
10 to 19
7.9%
4.5%
20 to 49
4.9%
2.1%
50 or more
5.3%
5.4%
Mobile homes
3.8%
1.1%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,601
9,992
State government workers
13,692
6,577
Unpaid family workers
1,066
251
Industries and Occupations
Jacksonville is home to a vast range of industries, including logistics, finance, and health care, while Virginia Beach's economy is largely tied to the military, tourism, and its status as a port city. Tourists and residents interested in these sectors might find either city appealing depending on their professional interests.
Both Jacksonville and Virginia Beach offer excellent healthcare options. Jacksonville is home to Mayo Clinic and UF Health Jacksonville, two highly rated hospital systems. Virginia Beach residents have access to Sentara Healthcare, a nationally recognized system, and several other high-quality medical centers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Jacksonville and Virginia Beach have well-developed infrastructures, but Jacksonville offers a bigger city experience with more high rises and impressive cityscapes, owing to its larger size. Virginia Beach, smaller and less crowded, appeals for its tranquil coastal ambiance and excellent public amenities.
Infrastructure
Type
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
Hospitals
25
7
TV stations
17
24
Bank branches located here
191
96
Bank institutions located here
31
16
Main business address for public companies
23
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
20
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Jacksonville
Virginia Beach
1999
5,422
0
2000
4,132
0
2001
3,038
0
2002
2,017
0
2003
3,563
941
2004
4,781
1,388
2005
7,134
1,545
2006
8,812
1,502
2007
5,298
1,073
2008
1,719
340
2009
676
167
Culture and Food
Culturally, both cities have a lot to offer. Virginia Beach is known for its beach culture, complete with seafood and festivals, while Jacksonville boasts thriving downtown areas filled with museums, arts, and cuisine that ranges from southern classics to unique food trucks.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts may prefer Jacksonville as it is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. The city also has a strong commitment to golf, hosting The Players Championship every year. Although Virginia Beach doesn't host a major league team, it offers competitive surfing and a strong commitment to soccer and minor league baseball.
Jacksonville, FL
Virginia Beach, VA
Jacksonville, FL and 
Virginia Beach, VA : 552.5 miles
