How Much Does It Cost to Live in Virginia?

The cost of living is the financial outlay required to maintain a standard of living in a specific location. This encompasses various expenditures, including housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Understanding these costs is fundamental for individuals considering a move or evaluating their financial situation. The expenses incurred can vary significantly based on location, individual lifestyle, and economic conditions.

Virginia’s General Cost of Living

Virginia’s overall cost of living is generally considered moderate when compared to the national average. In a 2024 study, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) ranked Virginia as 29th out of 50 states for cost of living, indicating it falls within the slightly more expensive half of the nation. This positioning suggests that while it is not among the cheapest states, it also avoids the extreme expenses found in some other regions.

The state’s economic landscape, characterized by a diverse job market and varied geography, contributes to this moderate standing. Factors such as a strong federal presence, particularly in Northern Virginia, and a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas across the state influence the overall cost structure. This blend creates a complex financial environment where some costs align with or exceed national averages, while others remain more affordable.

Major Living Expense Categories

Housing constitutes a substantial portion of living expenses, and in Virginia, average costs reflect a competitive market. As of August 2025, the average rent for an apartment statewide is approximately $1,803 per month. Specifically, one-bedroom apartments average around $1,627, while two-bedroom units are closer to $1,628 per month. For those considering homeownership, the median home price in Virginia reached $425,000 in May 2024, a 3.7% increase from the prior year.

Transportation costs are another significant expenditure for Virginia residents. Average full coverage car insurance premiums in Virginia are about $2,143 per year, or approximately $179 per month, which is lower than the national average. Public transportation options are available in many urban centers, with monthly passes varying by locality.

Food expenses, particularly groceries, are generally more affordable in Virginia compared to the national average. An individual can expect to spend around $366 per month on groceries. For an average household, the annual grocery expenditure is approximately $8,466, representing about 6.8% of the average household income.

Utility bills cover essential services such as electricity, water, gas, and internet. On average, Virginia households pay approximately $142 for electricity, $80 for natural gas, and $40 for water each month. Internet and cable services can add around $125 to monthly utility expenses, bringing the total average utility cost to about $387 per month.

Healthcare costs are a necessary consideration in any budget. The average annual healthcare expenditure per person in Virginia is estimated to be around $8,434.

Tax obligations are a part of the overall cost of living. Virginia has a progressive state individual income tax system with rates ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. The statewide sales tax rate is 4.3%, with a 1% mandatory statewide local add-on, resulting in an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 5.77%.

Property taxes in Virginia have an effective rate of about 0.72% of a home’s assessed value, which is below the national average. The median annual property tax bill is approximately $1,862 for a home valued at $252,600.

Beyond the primary categories, miscellaneous expenses contribute to daily living costs. These can include personal care products, clothing, entertainment, and subscriptions.

Geographic Variations in Virginia

While statewide averages provide a general overview, the cost of living in Virginia exhibits significant regional variations. The proximity to major metropolitan areas and economic hubs plays a substantial role in these differences.

Northern Virginia, encompassing areas like Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties, consistently ranks as the most expensive region in the state. Housing costs here are considerably higher, with median home prices in Northern Virginia reaching $664,000 in 2025, significantly above the state median. This elevated housing market also drives up other associated costs.

In contrast, the Richmond Metropolitan Area offers a more moderate cost of living. The overall cost of living in Richmond is approximately 4.61% lower than the national average and about 8.6% lower than the Virginia average. Housing, in particular, is more affordable than in Northern Virginia, with average rents and median home prices reflecting this difference.

The Hampton Roads region, including cities like Virginia Beach and Norfolk, presents another distinct cost profile. Influenced by a significant military presence and coastal living, housing costs in this area are often more accessible than in Northern Virginia. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Norfolk averages around $1,427, and a two-bedroom around $1,637. Utilities in Norfolk are also notably reasonable compared to other parts of the state.

Southwest and rural areas of Virginia generally offer the lowest cost of living within the state. In these regions, housing, utilities, and many services are considerably less expensive than in the more populated urban and suburban centers. For instance, utilities in Lynchburg can average around $245 per month, and a typical monthly grocery bill for one person is approximately $230. This affordability makes rural Virginia an attractive option for those seeking lower living expenses, although it may come with fewer amenities or employment opportunities.

Income and Affordability in Virginia

The relationship between income levels and the cost of living directly influences affordability across Virginia. The state’s median household income in 2023 was $90,974, which is notably higher than the U.S. median. This higher income level helps to offset some of the state’s living expenses, particularly in regions where costs are above the national average.

For a single person to live comfortably in Virginia, a recommended annual income of $48,000 is often cited. For a family, this figure rises to approximately $65,880 per year. These benchmarks provide a general understanding of the income required to cover typical expenses without significant financial strain.

Affordability varies substantially by region, reflecting the differences in living costs. In expensive areas like Arlington, the income needed to maintain a comfortable lifestyle is considerably higher, with residents potentially spending around $77,748 annually. Conversely, in more affordable regions such as Richmond, a single person might need an annual income of $46,800, and a family $62,640, to live comfortably. This illustrates that while Virginia’s overall income levels are robust, regional cost disparities necessitate varying income thresholds for comfortable living.