Cost of Living in Virginia
Virginia has 45 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Springfield (cost index 90.0) to Alexandria (111.2), with a statewide average around 99.4 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Danville at $808/mo and highest in McLean at $3,376/mo.
Virginia at a Glance
Cities Tracked
45
with census data
Avg Cost Index
99.4
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,777
per month
Avg Household Income
$105,162
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield | 90.0 | $2,643 |
| Richmond | 97.6 | $1,314 |
| Virginia Beach | 97.9 | $1,649 |
| Norfolk | 97.9 | $1,246 |
| Newport News | 97.9 | $1,285 |
Most Expensive
| City | Cost Index | Median Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | 111.2 | $2,031 |
| Arlington | 103.4 | $2,275 |
| Virginia Beach | 97.9 | $1,649 |
| Norfolk | 97.9 | $1,246 |
| Newport News | 97.9 | $1,285 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Taxes in Virginia
State Income Tax
5.75%
Top marginal rate · Tax Foundation 2024
State Sales Tax
5.30%
Statewide base rate · local add-ons may apply
Popular Cities in Virginia
Virginia Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Virginia Beach | 457,066 | 97.9 | $1,649 | $366,300 | $90,685 |
| Chesapeake | 251,153 | — | $1,523 | $359,100 | $94,189 |
| Arlington | 235,463 | 103.4 | $2,275 | $864,800 | $140,160 |
| Norfolk | 235,037 | 97.9 | $1,246 | $271,900 | $64,017 |
| Richmond | 227,595 | 97.6 | $1,314 | $328,100 | $62,671 |
| Newport News | 184,774 | 97.9 | $1,285 | $243,300 | $66,718 |
| Alexandria | 156,788 | 111.2 | $2,031 | $696,800 | $113,638 |
| Hampton | 137,334 | — | $1,346 | $234,100 | $67,758 |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | — | $964 | $180,500 | $52,671 |
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | — | $1,266 | $229,400 | $58,972 |
| Suffolk | 96,638 | — | $1,484 | $329,600 | $90,089 |
| Lynchburg | 79,255 | — | $1,043 | $211,800 | $59,808 |
| Dale City | 72,793 | — | $1,868 | $400,100 | $113,245 |
| Centreville | 71,885 | — | $2,238 | $565,900 | $143,704 |
| Reston | 63,542 | — | $2,170 | $616,000 | $139,515 |
| Harrisonburg | 51,492 | — | $1,120 | $278,200 | $59,752 |
| McLean | 50,232 | — | $3,376 | $1,304,900 | $250,001 |
| Leesburg | 48,788 | — | $1,980 | $617,700 | $140,668 |
| Tuckahoe | 48,610 | — | $1,479 | $442,200 | $96,188 |
| Charlottesville | 45,863 | — | $1,453 | $448,400 | $69,829 |
| Ashburn | 45,551 | — | $2,397 | $659,000 | $152,094 |
| Blacksburg | 45,288 | — | $1,290 | $417,200 | $48,070 |
| Lake Ridge | 45,007 | — | $2,011 | $452,800 | $120,844 |
| Woodbridge | 43,443 | — | $1,985 | $395,400 | $100,370 |
| Burke | 43,336 | — | $2,715 | $696,800 | $179,063 |
| Manassas | 42,674 | — | $1,835 | $434,700 | $117,919 |
| Danville | 42,239 | — | $808 | $110,200 | $42,778 |
| Linton Hall | 42,077 | — | $2,613 | $594,200 | $170,989 |
| Annandale | 41,982 | — | $1,932 | $650,100 | $112,872 |
| Mechanicsville | 38,437 | — | $1,645 | $323,600 | $97,569 |
| Oakton | 36,776 | — | $2,333 | $776,700 | $163,662 |
| Fair Oaks | 35,472 | — | $2,242 | $580,500 | $119,387 |
| South Riding | 34,200 | — | $2,853 | $689,400 | $190,701 |
| Petersburg | 33,365 | — | $1,132 | $157,900 | $50,741 |
| Sterling | 31,251 | — | $1,979 | $508,400 | $125,753 |
| Springfield | 30,894 | 90.0 | $2,643 | $622,200 | $123,691 |
| West Falls Church | 30,660 | — | $2,140 | $658,700 | $131,236 |
| Fredericksburg | 28,383 | — | $1,521 | $461,500 | $85,368 |
| Short Pump | 28,177 | — | $1,804 | $543,000 | $132,194 |
| Tysons | 28,022 | — | $2,478 | $640,500 | $129,189 |
| Winchester | 27,981 | — | $1,298 | $325,900 | $64,648 |
| Cave Spring | 26,014 | — | $1,224 | $296,700 | $85,314 |
| Staunton | 25,765 | — | $993 | $239,300 | $62,586 |
| Salem | 25,477 | — | $1,046 | $244,800 | $66,716 |
| Bailey's Crossroads | 25,458 | — | $1,958 | $398,200 | $84,241 |
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 99.4 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,777/month and median household income averages around $105,162/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Virginia?
The most affordable cities in Virginia by cost of living index are: 1. Springfield (index 90.0), 2. Richmond (index 97.6), 3. Virginia Beach (index 97.9).
What is the median rent in Virginia?
The average median gross rent across cities in Virginia is approximately $1,777/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Virginia?
Virginia's top marginal state income tax rate is 5.75%. This is the highest bracket rate; lower-income earners pay less. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
What is the sales tax in Virginia?
Virginia's statewide sales tax rate is 5.30%. Local city and county rates may add to this. Source: Tax Foundation (2024).
Is it expensive to move to Virginia?
Virginia has a cost of living index of approximately 99.4 and average median rent around $1,777/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology