Virginia cost of living
Moving can mean lots of new possibilities, but it can also be challenging. Building new friendships, finding support and getting to know your way around takes time. It's important to consider the practical side of a move (e.g., logistics, costs) so you can feel prepared for what’s in store.
For those relocating to Virginia, check out our analysis on cost of living in terms of housing, food, transportation, utilities and more.
The median rent in Virginia is $1,754.85, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Virginia spend $259.76 weekly on food at home and $104.03 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.34 in Virginia.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Virginia pay $1,823 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Virginia
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Virginia is $1,754.85, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Virginia broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Virginia had a median cost of $1,366 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,364 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,518 and $1,898, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Virginia is $443,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Richmond metro area was $425,000 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The same data showed the median home price in the Arlington-Alexandria-Washington metro was $600,200.
Virginia ranks No. 28 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.87%.
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Food costs in Virginia
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Virginia is $259.76, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Virginia residents spend an average of $104.03 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Virginia
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Virginia is $3.34, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Virginia is $960.58, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transit opportunities depend on where you live in Virginia. Richmond ranked No. 4 in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. The average fare was 24 cents as of 2022. Virginia Beach finished at No. 37. The average fare there was $1.31.
Health care costs in Virginia
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Virginia employees $1,823 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,853 of the $7,676 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Virginia
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Virginia is $144.96, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Virginia costs $13.49 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Virginia compare with the national average?
Overall, living in Virginia costs a bit above average, in part because of housing costs in the Arlington-Washington metro.
What are the least expensive cities in Virginia?
Housing costs in the Roanoke metro ($276,000 median in first quarter of 2024) and the Blacksburg-Christiansburg metro ($261,600 median) are much more affordable than in the Arlington area ($600,200 median).
Is Virginia a safe state?
Our 2023 analysis found that Virginia is the 10th safest state in the country.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
