Cost of Living in Virginia [2025]
“The birthplace of a nation” is Virginia's nickname, as it is home to Jamestown, the first English settlement in the United States. Of the first original 13 Colonies, Jamestown was founded for cultivating silk. Another less commonly known nickname for this east coast state is the “Mother of Presidents.” Eight presidents of the United States were born in Virginia, including four of the first five.
Today, the state boasts rural, mountainous lands thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains and valleys throughout the southwest. According to U.S. News, Virginia has been named #7 in Overall Rankings as the Best States to live in.
If you’re considering moving to Virginia, start by checking out this apartment guide. Then, do some research to determine Virginia’s cost of living. Thankfully, here at Apartment List, you can take a closer look at the cost of living in Virginia and gain a better understanding of what type of budget you’ll need to live comfortably.
Cost of Living in Virginia
How Much Is Cost of Living in Virginia?
The cost of living in Virginia is 0.68% lower than the national average, making it currently the 22nd most expensive state in the US. The cost of living in Virginia varies depending on the area you live in.
Where Is Cost of Living Highest in Virginia?
The most expensive city in Virginia is Arlington, where the cost of living is 36.73%% higher compared to the state average and 35.8% higher than in the rest of the U.S.
Where Is Cost of Living Lowest in Virginia?
The cheapest major city in Virginia is Lexington-Buena Vista-Rockbridge, with a cost of living being 11.4% lower compared to the state average and 12% lower than the national average.
How Much Is Rent in Virginia?
The current average overall rent in Virginia (for bedrooms of all sizes) is $1,750 a month. However, that cost can vary widely by city, so here are median rents for some of the most popular areas:
Location | Overall Median Rent | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedrooms |
---|---|---|---|
Arlington | $2,552 | $2,403 | $2,904 |
Richmond | $1,377 | $1,244 | $1,418 |
Roanoke | $975 | $821 | $949 |
How Much Is Housing in Virginia?
According to the Census, the median home value in Virginia is $339,800, which the median amount that residents spend on housing costs (including mortgages) around $2,014 a month.
Before making your big move, you’ll want to build a budget. Your housing costs should be top of mind when it comes to your budget, as they tend to be some of your highest living expenses. Whether you plan on making mortgage payments or paying rent each month, you can safely assume that housing costs will take up the most significant chunk of your monthly expenses.
Due to its proximity to the nation’s capital, the Virginia rental market is relatively expensive. Thankfully, the market is diverse, offering everything from small mountain towns to beach cities. Here is a list of average rent prices in five of the most popular Virginia cities, including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Alexandria, and Arlington.
If you’re concerned about housing costs, you can always consider renting with a roommate for additional savings. For example, if you rent in Arlington and split the costs of renting a two-bedroom apartment, you can save $734 per month.
How Much Are Utilities in Virginia?
Virginia has a sub-tropical climate, meaning summers can be hot and humid but mostly mild. Winters typically bring snowfall throughout the state. Because of the wide temperature range, the average utility bills in Virginia is $250.14 for a 915 square foot apartment. Let's look at how that breaks down by type of service and region:
Location | Avg Electric | Avg Gas | Avg Water | Avg Fuel | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Richmond, VA | 169.99 | 13.05 | 48.09 | 0.20 | 231.34 |
Virginia Beach, VA | 160.68 | 16.24 | 35.09 | 0.92 | 212.93 |
Virginia | 157.97 | 44.86 | 42.66 | 4.65 | 250.14 |
U.S. | 150.93 | 51.12 | 45.52 | 5.57 | 253.14 |
Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!
These costs cover basic utilities, but they do not cover additional items such as the internet. The average monthly costs of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL in these major cities are:
- Arlington: $58.75
- Alexandria: $80.50
- Chesapeake: $59.98
- Norfolk: $74.88
- Virginia Beach: $76.25
In addition to your basic utilities and internet, you will also have to consider other monthly costs such as your cell phone. The average monthly payment for Americans is currently $127. You can try bundling your cell phone with your internet provider or ask about new customer discounts.
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Virginia?
We use a budgeting rule that says rent should not be more than 30% of your income in order to live anywhere comfortably. With that in mind, at an average rate of $1,750, you would need to earn around $69,000 a year in order to comfortably afford the average apartment. That's about $20,000 more than what MIT projects as the living wage in Virginia ($49,973 before taxes).
In Arlington, Virginia's most expensive city, residents spend on average $6,479 a month, or $77,748 a year, to give you an idea of what you would need to keep up with your neighbors in that area.
How Much Is Transportation in Virginia?
According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, average annual transportation costs come out to about $9,985 for a single individual. Larger families, such as families of four with two working parents and two children, can anticipate paying around $16,749 in annual transportation costs.
Virginia’s public transportation governing agency is the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).
Throughout Virginia's most densely populated cities, public transportation is readily available. Some transit bus and para-transit services include Arlington Transit (ART), Bay Transit, OmniRide, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
Having a vehicle in Virginia is typically the best way to get around and enjoy all the state has to offer, considering the limited access to public transportation. Since you will likely rely on your vehicle, it’s good to know that gas prices in the state are on the lower end compared to the national average of $3.96. depending on the city.
How Much Are Food Costs in Virginia?
The average single Virginia resident spends around $4,485 on food or roughly $327.16 per month. For a four-person family with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $13,181 annually. Still, this figure is considerably lower than other states across the country.
Remember that these figures are associated with food from local stores like Food Lion, Wal-Mart Supercenter, or Kroger, and prepared in the home. So, if you aren’t the best cook, it’s worth trying. Otherwise, you’ll need to add a considerable amount to properly budget for additional food costs associated with dining out.
Virginia offers some must-eats, including southern-style fares such as peanuts, BBQ, country ham, oysters, apples, trout, Brunswick stew, and blue crabs. The state is known for its cured country ham, served best with breakfast next to eggs, biscuits, gravy, and grits. When you move to Virginia, you have to make sure to try this breakfast staple out for yourself.
Here is a breakdown of the average cost for a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant by city:
- Arlington: $70
- Alexandria: $80
- Chesapeake: $45
- Virginia Beach: $50
How Much Is Healthcare in Virginia?
A single adult without children can anticipate paying around $3,127 for medical care in a single year. A family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $9,609.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle should always be a high priority, regardless of where you choose to live. Having proper healthcare is crucial, which is why you’ll want to ensure you have adequate health insurance. In addition, having health insurance can ensure you get the proper treatment should unexpected emergencies arise.
If you’re interested in checking out what coverage options will be available to you in Virginia, you can take a look at the federal healthcare marketplace. Since relocating outside of an enrollment period can cause complications in your coverage, don’t forget to report your move to qualify for out-of-state coverage.
If you're still on your parent's plan, you might be able to maintain your coverage even when moving to a new state. To double-check your coverage, contact your parent’s provider to see if your new Virginia hometown has doctors that fall within their network.
Virginia Fitness and Entertainment
Regardless of your personal preferences, there are fitness and entertainment opportunities for everyone in Virginia so don’t forget to account for these expenses when calculating your budget.
Fitness
With an average of 52 inches of snow each year, it’s safe to say that winters might impact some of your outdoor activities. A gym membership might be necessary to maintain your fitness during the colder months. Thankfully, you can find a range of gym memberships catering to all types of activities. Our recommendation is if you just want to use basic equipment, look around for free or low cost options first (like the gym at your apartment, school, or YMCA). In general, $20-$30 is a good amount to spend on a class a week, or just on a basic gym membership, and you can customize up from there.
You might be able to save on some of your gym membership fees by taking up other outdoor activities in the warmer months. Thankfully, there are countless scenic routes, hikes, and trails for you to explore throughout the state in both national and state parks.
National and State Parks
Despite its smaller size, Virginia is home to 22 national parks, with tons of Civil War sites. Entrance fees vary, but you can also purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass annual pass for $80, which allows access to all of the parks, the most popular being:
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Appomattox National Court House National Historic Park
- Great Falls National Park
- Historic Jamestowne National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
In addition to national parks, Virginia also has 40 state parks. Entrance fees range from $3 to $5 though many locals can purchase a Naturally Yours Passport Plus for $85, granting unlimited access to all of the state parks for the year. Some of the most popular state parks include:
- First Landing State Park
- Grayson Highlands State Park
- Natural Bridge State Park
- Pocahontas State Park
- Sky Meadows State Park
Other Expenses to Consider in Virginia
One major downside to living in Virginia is its progressive income tax rate, but thankfully the top rate is still below the national average. Additionally, the average sales tax throughout the state is the 10th-lowest in the country, even when combining state and local rates. The good news continues as Virginia has property taxes that also fall below national averages, perfect for anyone looking to purchase a home.
Before you get too excited, make sure to consider that moving from out of state, it might come with additional expenses. Some extra costs to budget for might include movers, storage, hotels, and transportation. Other things to consider would be additional fees like apartment application fees, security deposits, pet deposits, and other additions that can add up, so you’ll want to be sure to budget accordingly.
Once you get to Virginia, you'll also want to decorate your new apartment to make it feel like home. It is possible to decorate your apartment on a budget, just be careful to monitor your expenses and account for them as soon as possible.
Looking for an Apartment in Virginia?
Virginia offers rental opportunities for all, with everything from small mountain cabins to high rises in beach cities. With vast mountain ranges and equally breathtaking valleys, there are sights in store for everyone, no matter where you reside in Virginia.
If you are looking to move somewhere where you can fully enjoy the seasons and have anything you might need at your fingertips, Virginia might be the place for you. Register with Apartment List today and start browsing hundreds of available apartments available for rent in Virginia!
FAQs: Cost of Living in Virginia
How expensive is an apartment in Virginia?
Currently, the overall average rent in Virginia is $1,750 for apartments of all sizes. One-bedrooms average around $1,627, and two bedrooms are closer to $1,628.
What is the cheapest rent in Virginia?
The cheapest rent in Virginia is in Virginia Beach, VA where a one bedroom apartment costs $1,455.
How expensive is it to live in Virginia?
Virigina is the 22nd most expensive state in the U.S., coming in at 0.68% less than the national average. MIT estimates that a single individual requires a little over $49,000 before taxes to earn a living wage in Virignia.
How far is Virginia from New York?
Virginia to New York is 405.8 miles via I-95 N. It takes about 6 hours and 42 minutes to drive from Virginia to New York.
How far is Virginia from Florida?
Virginia to Florida is 807 miles away via I-95 S. It takes about 12 hours and 18 minutes to drive from Virginia to Florida.
What is the population of Virginia?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Virginia in 2022 was 8,683,619.
What is a good salary in Virginia?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income is $80,615. However, it's recommended you spend no more than 30% of your take-home pay on rent. If you rent a one bedroom apartment in Alexandria, VA at $1,762, you should make at least $70,480.