Retire by state
Retiring in Virginia
Virginia spans Blue Ridge mountains, river valleys, and an Atlantic coast, with no tax on Social Security but real flood and storm exposure near the water.
A fit if
Retirees who want mountains, history, and coast in one state, plus a tax setup that leaves Social Security alone and adds a retirement income deduction at older ages.
Hard look if
People drawn to the coast, where hurricanes, storm surge, and rising water raise insurance and flood concerns in low-lying areas.
Figures verified May 31, 2026.
Cost of living
101
BEA index, U.S. = 100
State income tax
~4.5%
Blended planning rate
Social Security
Not taxed
2026 state treatment
Town guides
1
Researched town in-state
How the plan models Virginia
The state lines the calculator actually changes.
These are the assumptions the planner applies for Virginia. They are blended, middle-bracket planning figures, not a tax return. Exemptions, county rules, and your own income mix can move the real number.
Cost of living
101
BEA regional price parities put Virginia about 1.1% above the U.S. average cost level. The U.S. average is 100.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesState income tax
~4.5%
Virginia does not tax Social Security in the summary used here, but a 4.5% blended planning rate is used for taxable retirement-income context. IRA and 401(k) withdrawals can still need a state-tax line in Virginia, with exemptions and local rules checked against current state guidance.
Tax FoundationSocial Security
Not taxed
Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here.
AARP / IRS Pub. 915Property tax
0.8%
Property tax is local, but the Virginia state-level planning rate used here is 0.8% of home value. On a $350,000 home, that is about $2,900 a year before county detail.
Tax FoundationSales tax
5.8%
Tax Foundation puts Virginia's 2026 average combined state and local sales tax near 5.8%, ranked 41 among states in that table.
Tax FoundationVehicle costs
Check cars
Vehicle costs need a separate check in Virginia because value-based vehicle taxes or registration-linked property taxes can show up in the car budget.
FreeTaxUSA vehicle-tax guideLong-term care in Virginia
The care cliff, in Virginia dollars.
CareScout and Genworth 2025 median costs, compared with the national median. Long-term care is a separate planning layer from ordinary Medicare costs.
Assisted living
$6,945/mo
About $83,340 a year, 12% higher than the national median.
Nursing home (semi-private)
$10,250/mo
About $123,005 a year, 7% higher than the national median.
Home caregiver
$6,673/mo
About $80,080 a year, about the same as the national median.
Things to do in Virginia
What daily life can look like.
Mountain living in the Blue Ridge
Roanoke and the surrounding Blue Ridge area are known for scenery, greenways, and access to the mountains. The region regularly appears on lists of scenic places to retire.
Virginia's Blue RidgeRivers and state parks
James River State Park lets visitors hike, bike, paddle, fish, or camp along the river, with cabins and a visitor center on site. It is one of many state parks spread across Virginia's regions.
Virginia Department of Conservation and RecreationArts and history in the Shenandoah Valley
The Shenandoah Valley pairs outdoor recreation with cultural draws like the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, which has galleries, gardens, and trails. Valley towns such as Harrisonburg add restaurants and a walkable feel.
Virginia's Blue RidgeWhat to know about Virginia
The trade-offs worth weighing.
Social Security is not taxed by the state
Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits, and if part of your benefits is taxed federally you can subtract that amount on your state return. Older filers may also qualify for an age-based deduction on other income.
Virginia Department of TaxationCoastal storms and rising water
The Hampton Roads and Tidewater areas face hurricanes, storm surge, and some of the fastest sea level rise on the East Coast. Older residents in low-lying neighborhoods can be especially exposed, which affects flood insurance and where to buy.
National Library of Medicine (PMC)Pensions and withdrawals are still taxed
While Social Security is exempt, Virginia taxes other retirement income such as pensions and retirement account withdrawals as regular income. The age-based deduction phases down for higher incomes, so the benefit varies.
Virginia Department of TaxationRetirement towns in Virginia
Towns we have mapped in Virginia.
Weighing two states?
Put Virginia next to another state.
Compare cost of living, taxes, Social Security treatment, property and sales tax, and long-term-care costs side by side.
Common questions
Retiring in Virginia, answered.
Does Virginia tax retirement income?
Virginia does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here. IRA and 401(k) withdrawals can still need a state-tax line in Virginia, with exemptions and local rules checked against current state guidance. Virginia does not tax Social Security in the summary used here, but a 4.5% blended planning rate is used for taxable retirement-income context.
AARP: how states tax retirement incomeIs Virginia cheaper or more expensive than average?
BEA regional price parities put Virginia about 1.1% above the U.S. average cost level. That price level is the first reason a national retirement number needs a Virginia translation.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesWhat does long-term care cost in Virginia?
In the CareScout and Genworth 2025 medians, Virginia assisted living runs about $83,340 a year (12% higher than the national median) and a semi-private nursing-home room about $123,005 a year (7% higher than the national median).
CareScout / Genworth Cost of CareWhich towns in Virginia have a retirement guide?
Virginia has 1 researched town guide: Virginia Beach. Each one breaks down local costs, services, and things to do.
Does Virginia tax retirement income?
Virginia does not tax Social Security, but it does tax other retirement income like pensions and account withdrawals. Filers age 65 and older may qualify for an income-based deduction that reduces the tax on that other income.
Virginia Department of TaxationSources
- BEA Regional Price Parities
- Tax Foundation: state tax data
- AARP: how states tax retirement income
- CareScout / Genworth Cost of Care
- IRS Publication 915 (Social Security benefits)
- Virginia's Blue Ridge
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Virginia Department of Taxation
- National Library of Medicine (PMC)
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