What is the cost of living in Virginia?

Virginia has an average cost of living index of 105, which is 5% below the national average of 111. Average monthly rent across tracked cities is $1,804, and average median household income is $79,954.

What is the cheapest city in Virginia?

Richmond is the most affordable city tracked in Virginia, with a cost index of 92 and median rent of $1,574/month.

What is the most expensive city in Virginia?

Alexandria is the most expensive city tracked in Virginia, with a cost index of 130 and median rent of $2,223/month.

What is the average rent in Virginia?

The average monthly rent across 7 tracked cities in Virginia is $1,804. The cheapest rent is in Richmond at $1,574/month.

What is the average household income in Virginia?

The average median household income across tracked cities in Virginia is $79,954. The highest-earning city is Alexandria at $113,638.

Is Virginia affordable to live in?

Virginia's average rent-to-income ratio is 27.7%. Financial advisors recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income. Virginia is generally considered affordable, with rent taking less than 30% of typical incomes.

Home/Virginia

7 cities tracked

Virginia

Compare affordability, taxes, rent pressure, and earnings across Virginia’s tracked cities with a single state-level intelligence view.

All Rankings

Most affordable: Richmond

Highest income: Alexandria

Avg rent: $1,804

Avg Cost Index

0/ 100

State Population

Avg Income

Avg Rent

$0/mo

Avg Home Price

Tracked City Pop

State Intelligence Overview

Core metrics, city comparisons, and tax signals

Most Affordable

Richmond

Index: 92Rent: $1,574

Most Expensive

Alexandria

Index: 130Rent: $2,223

Highest Income

Alexandria

$113,638Rent: $2,223

Virginia vs National Average

Cost Index

105

-5.4% vs avg

Avg Rent

$1,804

-4.8% vs avg

Avg Income

$79,954

-0.5% vs avg

Cities in Virginia

City	Cost	Rent	Income	Home Price	Pop	Rent/Inc
Virginia Beach	114	$1,953	$90,685	$418,508	453,649	25.8%
Chesapeake	117	$2,002	$94,189	$413,755	253,886	25.5%
Norfolk	99	$1,696	$64,017	$302,742	230,930	31.8%
Newport News	93	$1,596	$66,718	$287,123	183,118	28.7%
Alexandria	130	$2,223	$113,638	$665,724	155,230	23.5%
Hampton	93	$1,587	$67,758	$272,161	137,098	28.1%
Richmond	92	$1,574	$62,671	$361,133	114,106	30.1%