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Portsmouth, VA Utility & Living Guide
Portsmouth is an independent city in southeastern Virginia, United States. It lies across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. As of the 2020 census, the population was 97,915. It is the ninth-most populous city in Virginia and is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Due to its strategic locati
Monthly Utility Costs
$140/mo
—
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1100/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1400/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1900/mo |
| Median Home Price | $240,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.04% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Portsmouth is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The city has a range of neighborhoods, from historic districts to newer developments. However, the market can be competitive, especially for affordable options.
Cost of Living
98
-2% below national average
95
94
105
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 5.3% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.04% |
| <p>State 4.3% + Local 1%</p> | |
Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%
Family & Relocation
55
6.2/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
The city has a relatively walkable downtown area, with some public transportation options available, including buses and a ferry service.
- Children's Museum of Virginia
- Portsmouth City Park
- Virginia Zoo
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Portsmouth based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
The city has regulations in place for zoning, parking, and noise ordinances, among others.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
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📊 Portsmouth — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Summer months tend to see higher utility bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see lower bills. However, the city's mild winters mean that heating costs are relatively low compared to other parts of the country.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 0.84 to 1.04, with no local surtaxes
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
Score 6/10: while the city has some walkable areas and parks, sidewalk quality and elevator access in transit can be limited, and family infrastructure is still developing.
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