Annandale, VA vs Portsmouth, VA

The cost of living difference between Annandale, VA and Portsmouth, VA is dramatic. Portsmouth is 64.4% cheaper than Annandale, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Annandale has a cost index of 150 while Portsmouth sits at 91, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Annandale is $1,932/month compared to $1,266/month in Portsmouth — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portsmouth is more affordable at $229,400 median vs $650,100.

Median household income in Annandale is $112,872 compared to $58,972 in Portsmouth (+91.4%). While Annandale is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Annandale spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, less than the 25.8% in Portsmouth.