Best Cities in Virginia for Retirees (2026)

A closer look at Hampton: the cost index of 93 breaks down to a Housing index of 93 (strongest category) and a Healthcare index of 99 (weakest). And generally speaking, median rent is $1,587/month — 16% below the national median — while household income sits at $67,758, meaning locals spend about 28% of income on rent. That's within the recommended 30% threshold, though it doesn't leave much room.

Richmond earns its position at #3 through a combination that's hard to replicate. The 92 cost index sits 19 points below the national baseline, and the $62,671 median income means purchasing power here is amplified by the low cost base. Homes list at $361,133 — $106,237 below the national median — a genuine ownership opportunity. On the cost side, Housing leads the way at 92, while Healthcare trails at 98.

Virginia Beach earns its position at #4 through a combination that's hard to replicate. It's fine. Not great, not bad. The 114 cost index sits 3 points above the national baseline, and the $90,685 — make of that what you will — median income means purchasing power here is partially offset by higher costs. Homes list at $418,508 — $48,862 below the national median — a genuine ownership opportunity. On the cost side, Healthcare leads the way at 103, while Housing trails at 114.

Chesapeake earns its position at #5 through a combination that's hard to replicate. The 117 cost index sits 6 points above the national baseline, and the $94,189 median income means purchasing power here is partially offset by higher costs. Homes list at $413,755 — $53,615 below the national median — a genuine ownership opportunity. On the cost side, Healthcare leads the way at 103, while Housing trails at 117.