Cost of Living in Williamsburg, VA
Cost of Living in Williamsburg, VA has an overall index of 123, 23% above the U.S. baseline of 100. The typical home value is $458,205; typical monthly rent is $1,946; and median household income is $70,206.
Cost index: committed city housing/rent inputs and BEA 2024 metro-area price parities. Home value: Zillow ZHVI market signal as of 2026-02. Rent: Zillow ZORI market signal as of 2026-02. A place-level signal, not a personal affordability decision or financial recommendation.
Home prices are the main source of pressure. This describes the local market, not your household.
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Frequently asked questions about Williamsburg
Living in Williamsburg
Is Williamsburg, VA an expensive place to live?+
Yes — Williamsburg is about 23% more expensive than the national average, with an overall Cost Index of 123. Housing is the biggest factor: the typical home here is valued around $458,205, and monthly rents average roughly $1,946. Day-to-day costs like groceries and utilities tend to run closer to the national norm.
How does Williamsburg fit a household housing budget?+
Start with housing. Typical monthly rent is $1,946, while local median household income is $70,206. That implies a rent-burden proxy of about 33% before utilities and other costs. Use that as a planning signal for whether the place looks manageable under your own household assumptions.
How much are taxes in Williamsburg, VA?+
Virginia uses a progressive model; 5.75% is top marginal-rate context. Applying the 0.82% state-level effective owner-occupied proxy to a home worth $458,205 gives a planning estimate near $3,757 per year; it is not a city, county, parcel, or individual tax bill. State plus average local sales-tax context is around 5.75%.
How much does it cost to rent in Williamsburg, VA?+
The typical monthly rent in Williamsburg is around $1,946. That's about 44% higher than the $1,348 national median. For comparison, the median home value here is $458,205, so buyers should also factor in mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance.
How much does a house cost in Williamsburg, VA?+
The typical home value in Williamsburg is $458,205. With 20% down and the committed 6.11% national 30-year fixed benchmark as of 2026-03-12, principal and interest are roughly $2,224/month before property tax and insurance. This is a planning estimate, not a local lender quote. About 53% of residents here own their homes.
Are groceries and utilities expensive in Williamsburg?+
Grocery prices in Williamsburg are about average compared to the rest of the US (index: 97, where 100 is the national average). Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) are about typical (index: 90). Overall, these everyday costs shouldn't cause major surprises if you're moving from another similarly-sized US city.
What is Williamsburg, VA like to live in?+
Williamsburg is a small town with a population of about 15,564. The median age of residents is 24, skewing younger — often a sign of a college town or fast-growing area. The local poverty rate is 14.13%, near the national average of 12.4%.