Cost of Living in Virginia
Virginia has 46 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Virginia Beach (cost index 97.7) to Alexandria (109.5), with a statewide average around 101.8 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Danville at $836/mo and highest in McLean at $3,422/mo.
Virginia at a Glance
Cities Tracked
46
with census data
Avg Cost Index
101.8
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,836
per month
Avg Household Income
$108,812
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Beach | 97.7 |
| 2 | Norfolk | 97.7 |
| 3 | Newport News | 97.7 |
| 4 | Richmond | 98.3 |
| 5 | Arlington | 109.5 |
Most Expensive
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arlington | 109.5 |
| 2 | Alexandria | 109.5 |
| 3 | Richmond | 98.3 |
| 4 | Virginia Beach | 97.7 |
| 5 | Norfolk | 97.7 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in Virginia
Explore Virginia Cities in Depth
Climate & Weather in Virginia
Healthcare & Hospitals in Virginia
Neighborhoods in Virginia
Jobs & Industries in Virginia
Virginia Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Virginia Beach | 456,349 | 97.7 | $1,714 | $382,500 | $92,968 |
| Chesapeake | 252,583 | — | $1,586 | $378,400 | $95,373 |
| Arlington | 236,254 | 109.5 | $2,322 | $895,000 | $142,114 |
| Norfolk | 233,596 | 97.7 | $1,321 | $289,900 | $66,109 |
| Richmond | 229,359 | 98.3 | $1,372 | $353,000 | $64,587 |
| Newport News | 184,216 | 97.7 | $1,339 | $260,600 | $69,634 |
| Alexandria | 156,976 | 109.5 | $2,089 | $735,100 | $119,681 |
| Hampton | 137,557 | — | $1,427 | $245,700 | $69,621 |
| Suffolk | 98,796 | — | $1,563 | $347,400 | $92,666 |
| Roanoke | 98,355 | — | $996 | $190,500 | $55,378 |
| Portsmouth | 97,190 | — | $1,300 | $246,900 | $60,491 |
| Lynchburg | 79,497 | — | $1,073 | $229,800 | $57,947 |
| Centreville | 71,706 | — | $2,299 | $590,500 | $139,510 |
| Dale City | 71,016 | — | $1,876 | $425,500 | $111,994 |
| Reston | 64,414 | — | $2,231 | $642,000 | $148,710 |
| Harrisonburg | 51,392 | — | $1,184 | $299,100 | $62,254 |
| McLean | 49,627 | — | $3,422 | $1,412,700 | $250,001 |
| Tuckahoe | 49,183 | — | $1,536 | $462,800 | $102,264 |
| Leesburg | 49,171 | — | $2,105 | $667,800 | $145,205 |
| Lake Ridge | 46,049 | — | $2,033 | $471,200 | $127,154 |
| Ashburn | 46,026 | — | $2,455 | $699,300 | $154,978 |
| Blacksburg | 45,446 | — | $1,359 | $446,300 | $50,182 |
| Charlottesville | 45,437 | — | $1,540 | $486,700 | $74,824 |
| Burke | 44,029 | — | $2,894 | $747,700 | $185,818 |
| Woodbridge | 43,945 | — | $2,101 | $422,400 | $104,741 |
| Manassas | 42,976 | — | $1,850 | $449,900 | $113,590 |
| Danville | 42,214 | — | $836 | $119,100 | $44,423 |
| Linton Hall | 41,876 | — | $2,575 | $617,000 | $178,915 |
| Annandale | 41,705 | — | $1,933 | $681,300 | $116,263 |
| Mechanicsville | 38,683 | — | $1,724 | $351,000 | $98,595 |
| Oakton | 36,528 | — | $2,276 | $792,100 | $160,663 |
| Fair Oaks | 35,545 | — | $2,275 | $608,200 | $123,947 |
| South Riding | 34,352 | — | $2,905 | $746,200 | $196,403 |
| Petersburg | 33,537 | — | $1,174 | $189,000 | $50,698 |
| Sterling | 32,411 | — | $2,138 | $526,000 | $123,303 |
| West Falls Church | 31,279 | — | $2,066 | $706,800 | $134,978 |
| Springfield | 31,154 | — | $2,656 | $640,300 | $125,999 |
| Short Pump | 29,026 | — | $1,847 | $568,900 | $138,845 |
| Tysons | 28,936 | — | $2,497 | $640,000 | $129,818 |
| Fredericksburg | 28,873 | — | $1,619 | $483,700 | $86,071 |
| Winchester | 27,913 | — | $1,315 | $343,000 | $63,974 |
| Cherry Hill | 26,044 | — | $1,931 | $492,500 | $122,447 |
| Staunton | 25,948 | — | $1,024 | $259,200 | $65,581 |
| Cave Spring | 25,742 | — | $1,285 | $325,800 | $87,539 |
| Salem | 25,618 | — | $1,133 | $258,600 | $66,725 |
| Fairfax | 25,026 | — | $2,245 | $722,600 | $132,348 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Virginia cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Virginia cities stack up across the US. For example, Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Virginia
What is the cost of living in Virginia?
The average cost of living index across cities in Virginia is approximately 101.8 (US average = 100), which is slightly above the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,836/month and median household income averages around $108,812/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Virginia?
The most affordable cities in Virginia by cost of living index are: 1. Virginia Beach (index 97.7), 2. Norfolk (index 97.7), 3. Newport News (index 97.7).
What is the median rent in Virginia?
The average median gross rent across cities in Virginia is approximately $1,836/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Virginia?
State income tax information for Virginia is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in Virginia?
Sales tax information for Virginia is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to Virginia?
Virginia has a cost of living index of approximately 101.8 and average median rent around $1,836/month. It is somewhat above the US average in cost, so factor that into your relocation budget. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology