Rent & Housing in Virginia
Based on comprehensive economic data across 202 tracked municipalities, Virginia presents diverse cost of living environments. Macroeconomic modeling identifies Covington as the most cost-efficient market, contrasting starkly with the elevated real estate valuations found in Great Falls. Virginia assesses a 5.75% progressive income tax, while residential property taxes average 0.82%. Financial planning in VA requires careful alignment of localized housing costs against state-level tax obligations.
Use this state hub to understand the statewide housing baseline first, then drop into city pages for a household-level feasibility verdict. The key question here is not just whether Virginia is “cheap” or “expensive”, but which cities look most livable once rent, home values, taxes, and household income are considered together.
Virginia sits in the middle: neither uniformly cheap nor uniformly unaffordable. The statewide baseline is 19% average rent burden and 4.3x home-price-to-income, so the best next step is to compare lower-pressure cities against higher-cost metros rather than assuming the whole state behaves the same way.
Virginia Tax Radar
At a gross income of $74,580, the localized Virginia marginal tax brackets exact an effective state penalty of 5.0%. This results in an absolute "tax drag" drain of $3,743/year compared to states with no income tax.
Lower Housing Pressure Cities
These city pages have comparatively lower rent burden inside Virginia, making them strong candidates for the next housing-feasibility clicks.
Biggest Move-Market Cities
These are the highest-population city pages in the state, useful when you want the major relocation targets before exploring the full table.
Rent Pressure Outliers
These city pages show the highest rent burden inside Virginia. They are useful when you want to see where renting starts to materially squeeze household budgets.
Buy Pressure Outliers
These city pages have the toughest home-price-to-income ratios in Virginia, making them the first places to inspect when buy-side affordability is the core concern.
Most Affordable
All Cities in Virginia
| City | Pop. | Home Value | Rent | Income | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 457,066 | $418,508 | $1,953 | $90,685 | 118 |
| Chesapeake | 251,153 | $359,100 | $2,002 | $94,189 | 112 |
| Arlington | 235,463 | $811,245 | $2,591 | $140,160 | 174 |
| Norfolk | 235,037 | $302,742 | $1,696 | $64,017 | 102 |
| Richmond | 227,595 | $361,133 | $1,574 | $62,671 | 107 |
| Newport News | 184,774 | $287,123 | $1,596 | $66,718 | 99 |
| Alexandria | 156,788 | $665,724 | $2,223 | $113,638 | 153 |
| Hampton | 137,334 | $272,161 | $1,587 | $67,758 | 97 |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | $180,500 | $964 | $52,671 | 80 |
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | $229,400 | $1,557 | $58,972 | 92 |
| Suffolk | 96,638 | $329,600 | $1,880 | $90,089 | 107 |
| Lynchburg | 79,255 | $211,800 | $1,311 | $59,808 | 87 |
| Dale City | 72,793 | $400,100 | $1,868 | $113,245 | 115 |
| Centreville | 71,885 | $621,171 | $2,387 | $143,704 | 150 |
| Reston | 63,542 | $626,565 | $2,451 | $139,515 | 152 |
| Harrisonburg | 51,492 | $278,200 | $1,120 | $59,752 | 93 |
| McLean | 50,232 | $1,453,329 | $2,660 | $250,001 | 249 |
| Leesburg | 48,788 | $850,869 | $2,290 | $140,668 | 176 |
| Tuckahoe | 48,610 | $442,200 | $1,479 | $96,188 | 115 |
| Charlottesville | 45,863 | $448,400 | $1,934 | $69,829 | 121 |
| Ashburn | 45,551 | $799,288 | $2,738 | $152,094 | 175 |
| Blacksburg | 45,288 | $412,402 | $1,290 | $48,070 | 110 |
| Lake Ridge | 45,007 | $452,800 | $2,011 | $120,844 | 122 |
| Woodbridge | 43,443 | $499,397 | $2,165 | $100,370 | 134 |
| Burke | 43,336 | $723,983 | $2,715 | $179,063 | 166 |
| Manassas | 42,674 | $549,186 | $2,158 | $117,919 | 139 |
| Danville | 42,239 | $152,032 | $808 | $42,778 | 74 |
| Linton Hall | 42,077 | $594,200 | $2,613 | $170,989 | 145 |
| Annandale | 41,982 | $749,037 | $1,932 | $112,872 | 160 |
| Mechanicsville | 38,437 | $431,436 | $1,645 | $97,569 | 116 |
| Oakton | 36,776 | $1,082,626 | $2,333 | $163,662 | 203 |
| Fair Oaks | 35,472 | $580,500 | $2,242 | $119,387 | 139 |
| South Riding | 34,200 | $689,400 | $2,853 | $190,701 | 159 |
| Petersburg | 33,365 | $157,900 | $1,132 | $50,741 | 79 |
| Sterling | 31,251 | $633,254 | $2,350 | $125,753 | 151 |
| Springfield | 30,894 | $701,486 | $2,854 | $123,691 | 165 |
| West Falls Church | 30,660 | $658,700 | $2,140 | $131,236 | 147 |
| Fredericksburg | 28,383 | $475,651 | $1,960 | $85,368 | 129 |
| Short Pump | 28,177 | $543,000 | $1,804 | $132,194 | 130 |
| Tysons | 28,022 | $640,500 | $2,478 | $129,189 | 149 |
| Winchester | 27,981 | $325,900 | $1,298 | $64,648 | 100 |
| Cave Spring | 26,014 | $296,700 | $1,224 | $85,314 | 96 |
| Staunton | 25,765 | $239,300 | $993 | $62,586 | 87 |
| Salem | 25,477 | $244,800 | $1,046 | $66,716 | 88 |
| Bailey's Crossroads | 25,458 | $398,200 | $1,958 | $84,241 | 115 |
| Herndon | 24,529 | $730,346 | $2,327 | $141,418 | 162 |
| Fairfax | 24,478 | $780,777 | $2,335 | $132,774 | 168 |
| Brambleton | 23,999 | $833,000 | $2,592 | $250,001 | 173 |
| Chantilly | 23,744 | $807,237 | $2,260 | $143,786 | 170 |
| Chester | 23,519 | $290,600 | $1,463 | $88,455 | 98 |
| Cherry Hill | 23,443 | $470,400 | $1,853 | $119,474 | 122 |
| Hopewell | 22,944 | $228,181 | $1,085 | $48,681 | 86 |
| West Springfield | 22,905 | $612,200 | $2,426 | $157,800 | 145 |
| Leesylvania | 22,848 | $508,800 | $2,278 | $137,460 | 132 |
| Christiansburg | 22,820 | $299,383 | $1,171 | $75,451 | 96 |
| Waynesboro | 22,574 | $236,600 | $972 | $56,364 | 86 |
| McNair | 22,451 | $566,900 | $2,253 | $123,327 | 138 |
| Montclair | 22,295 | $561,700 | $2,207 | $143,357 | 137 |
| Lorton | 21,961 | $650,502 | $2,537 | $136,719 | 155 |
| Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County) | 21,828 | $309,200 | $1,789 | $87,897 | 103 |
| Rose Hill CDP (Fairfax County) | 21,484 | $657,900 | $2,203 | $160,426 | 148 |
| Merrifield | 20,549 | $637,600 | $2,308 | $136,173 | 147 |
| Buckhall | 20,447 | $598,700 | $2,591 | $169,591 | 145 |
| Culpeper | 20,437 | $366,300 | $1,408 | $91,429 | 110 |
| Meadowbrook | 20,383 | $262,600 | $1,461 | $79,750 | 94 |
| Lincolnia | 19,913 | $699,751 | $2,087 | $123,835 | 156 |
| Midlothian | 18,702 | $381,600 | $1,764 | $105,927 | 112 |
| Franklin Farm | 18,509 | $810,600 | $2,697 | $210,169 | 171 |
| Sudley | 18,420 | $417,100 | $1,974 | $92,101 | 117 |
| Colonial Heights | 18,210 | $291,617 | $1,162 | $76,250 | 95 |
| Laurel | 18,180 | $272,300 | $1,497 | $69,932 | 96 |
| Franconia | 18,141 | $557,800 | $2,469 | $152,007 | 139 |
| Gainesville | 18,036 | $754,882 | $2,444 | $168,978 | 166 |
| Hybla Valley | 17,877 | $523,000 | $1,712 | $72,068 | 127 |
| Idylwood | 17,469 | $708,400 | $2,022 | $118,443 | 152 |
| Burke Centre | 17,447 | $615,400 | $2,360 | $159,932 | 145 |
| Kingstowne | 17,436 | $613,300 | $2,337 | $150,114 | 144 |
| Bon Air | 17,302 | $329,200 | $1,731 | $97,620 | 105 |
| Bristol | 17,024 | $168,700 | $775 | $44,706 | 74 |
| Hollins | 17,005 | $227,900 | $1,113 | $73,588 | 86 |
| Manassas Park | 16,923 | $381,200 | $2,175 | $100,668 | 120 |
| Bull Run CDP (Prince William County) | 16,688 | $378,800 | $1,912 | $86,487 | 113 |
| Glen Allen | 16,630 | $505,346 | $1,930 | $96,085 | 128 |
| Fort Hunt | 16,519 | $984,404 | $3,563 | $210,471 | 205 |
| Radford | 16,505 | $261,350 | $966 | $52,791 | 89 |
| Vienna | 16,369 | $1,154,071 | $3,072 | $223,571 | 219 |
| Stone Ridge | 16,340 | $666,300 | $2,761 | $183,211 | 155 |
| East Highland Park | 16,071 | $265,603 | $1,238 | $69,750 | 93 |
| Wolf Trap | 16,020 | $1,153,200 | $3,590 | $250,001 | 221 |
| Williamsburg | 15,564 | $458,205 | $1,946 | $70,206 | 123 |
| Front Royal | 15,152 | $284,900 | $1,133 | $64,025 | 98 |
| Highland Springs | 15,091 | $254,060 | $1,234 | $56,931 | 91 |
| Great Falls | 14,854 | $1,658,249 | $3,463 | $250,001 | 282 |
| Broadlands | 14,673 | $859,400 | $2,549 | $235,491 | 175 |
| Falls Church | 14,593 | $773,202 | $2,468 | $154,734 | 169 |
| Brandermill | 13,938 | $349,300 | $1,695 | $107,748 | 107 |
| Newington | 13,824 | $560,900 | $2,662 | $146,681 | 142 |
| Martinsville | 13,584 | $130,507 | $784 | $42,434 | 71 |
| Groveton | 13,563 | $568,900 | $1,829 | $109,665 | 134 |
| Kings Park West | 13,281 | $679,700 | $2,400 | $162,007 | 153 |
| Huntington | 13,250 | $450,258 | $2,045 | $99,580 | 127 |
| Mount Vernon | 13,120 | $580,391 | $1,643 | $156,875 | 137 |
| Sugarland Run | 12,920 | $552,700 | $2,345 | $158,977 | 137 |
| Lakeside | 12,845 | $334,390 | $1,330 | $69,695 | 101 |
| Timberlake | 12,833 | $228,200 | $1,037 | $68,833 | 85 |
| Lansdowne | 12,603 | $753,600 | $2,229 | $180,379 | 159 |
| Poquoson | 12,556 | $452,173 | $1,634 | $120,919 | 119 |
| Cascades | 12,489 | $617,100 | $2,552 | $166,023 | 147 |
| Forest | 12,476 | $405,620 | $1,112 | $78,825 | 107 |
| Newington Forest | 12,434 | $586,400 | $2,649 | $147,650 | 145 |
| Manchester | 12,347 | $286,900 | $1,444 | $72,465 | 97 |
| Fairfax Station | 12,298 | $863,400 | $2,737 | $212,128 | 178 |
| Wyndham | 12,084 | $673,200 | $2,076 | $235,886 | 148 |
| Wakefield | 12,024 | $826,100 | $3,676 | $221,793 | 184 |
| Stuarts Draft | 11,920 | $260,700 | $1,063 | $77,585 | 90 |
| Dranesville | 11,860 | $713,100 | $3,105 | $210,766 | 164 |
| New Baltimore | 11,595 | $646,500 | $0 | $183,696 | 137 |
| Triangle | 11,265 | $566,545 | $1,606 | $114,837 | 135 |
| Lowes Island | 11,199 | $777,700 | $2,897 | $220,238 | 169 |
| Gloucester Point | 11,159 | $286,500 | $1,053 | $71,589 | 93 |
| Lake Monticello | 10,820 | $288,300 | $2,167 | $101,363 | 105 |
| Lake Barcroft | 10,678 | $848,200 | $1,914 | $143,796 | 167 |
| Yorkshire | 10,678 | $424,100 | $1,713 | $107,283 | 116 |
| Madison Heights | 10,398 | $181,300 | $826 | $62,727 | 78 |
| Loudoun Valley Estates | 10,323 | $773,100 | $3,055 | $229,126 | 171 |
| Independent Hill | 10,217 | $646,000 | $2,063 | $204,500 | 145 |
| Difficult Run | 10,202 | $1,052,600 | $3,673 | $250,001 | 210 |
| Warrenton | 10,151 | $671,269 | $1,512 | $80,441 | 146 |
| Woodburn | 10,046 | $793,200 | $2,360 | $132,760 | 165 |
| George Mason | 9,954 | $687,800 | $2,377 | $154,479 | 153 |
| Fishersville | 9,546 | $322,700 | $1,389 | $81,190 | 101 |
| Belmont | 9,525 | $807,100 | $2,853 | $232,879 | 173 |
| Countryside | 9,521 | $567,600 | $2,313 | $143,229 | 139 |
| Crozet | 9,211 | $583,415 | $1,897 | $121,153 | 136 |
| Seven Corners | 9,171 | $334,600 | $1,680 | $77,234 | 105 |
| University of Virginia | 9,159 | $422,200 | $1,385 | $44,635 | 112 |
| Purcellville | 8,974 | $892,693 | $2,086 | $162,981 | 178 |
| Pulaski | 8,937 | $152,800 | $775 | $50,409 | 74 |
| Rockwood | 8,834 | $312,500 | $1,875 | $90,804 | 104 |
| Dunn Loring | 8,782 | $1,207,899 | $3,524 | $236,563 | 231 |
| Smithfield | 8,729 | $387,540 | $1,182 | $110,182 | 106 |
| Montrose | 8,624 | $251,339 | $1,260 | $45,063 | 91 |
| Fair Lakes | 8,617 | $575,500 | $2,325 | $130,789 | 140 |
| Hollymead | 8,566 | $413,700 | $1,995 | $121,795 | 117 |
| Innsbrook | 8,559 | $445,600 | $1,576 | $130,534 | 117 |
| Bellwood | 8,489 | $316,641 | $1,132 | $50,172 | 97 |
| Dumbarton | 8,407 | $274,700 | $1,402 | $59,085 | 95 |
| Abingdon | 8,332 | $217,700 | $794 | $54,976 | 80 |
| Wytheville | 8,224 | $193,000 | $706 | $43,283 | 78 |
| Franklin | 8,212 | $240,233 | $995 | $65,125 | 87 |
| Lake of the Woods | 8,165 | $377,500 | $1,690 | $112,917 | 110 |
| Fort Belvoir | 8,107 | $244,400 | $3,212 | $101,237 | 116 |
| Vinton | 8,038 | $179,400 | $939 | $64,643 | 79 |
| Greenbriar | 7,989 | $627,600 | $2,167 | $134,284 | 144 |
| Carrollton | 7,903 | $381,900 | $1,793 | $113,813 | 112 |
| South Boston | 7,896 | $157,300 | $756 | $41,102 | 74 |
| Ashland | 7,667 | $451,691 | $1,154 | $65,000 | 113 |
| Collinsville | 7,645 | $123,500 | $714 | $50,465 | 70 |
| Farmville | 7,613 | $223,700 | $865 | $40,282 | 83 |
| Laurel Hill | 7,551 | $625,900 | $2,335 | $139,803 | 146 |
| Bull Run CDP (Fairfax County) | 7,513 | $879,000 | $3,072 | $238,500 | 183 |
| North Springfield | 7,511 | $630,300 | $2,272 | $124,118 | 146 |
| Mantua | 7,447 | $947,700 | $1,955 | $197,677 | 179 |
| Lexington | 7,420 | $275,300 | $985 | $89,598 | 90 |
| Woodlake | 7,373 | $371,900 | $1,888 | $133,782 | 112 |
| Strasburg | 7,162 | $338,489 | $997 | $59,614 | 102 |
| Floris | 7,135 | $843,600 | $3,166 | $239,457 | 180 |
| Long Branch | 7,066 | $788,900 | $1,233 | $180,833 | 152 |
| Sandston | 7,011 | $311,630 | $1,199 | $57,708 | 98 |
| Hutchison | 6,936 | $476,400 | $2,305 | $105,125 | 128 |
| Aquia Harbour | 6,917 | $444,700 | $2,660 | $152,776 | 129 |
| Spotsylvania Courthouse | 6,793 | $366,900 | $1,515 | $85,321 | 107 |
| South Run | 6,714 | $940,900 | $3,644 | $250,001 | 197 |
| Bedford | 6,703 | $192,600 | $876 | $47,697 | 80 |
| Galax | 6,698 | $126,800 | $692 | $41,438 | 70 |
| Bridgewater | 6,650 | $372,400 | $1,141 | $81,012 | 104 |
| Buena Vista | 6,612 | $153,500 | $1,067 | $54,458 | 77 |
| Belle Haven | 6,590 | $511,366 | $1,792 | $137,878 | 127 |
| Braddock | 6,404 | $915,900 | $2,322 | $214,563 | 179 |
| Pimmit Hills | 6,395 | $925,300 | $2,219 | $168,548 | 179 |
| Potomac Mills | 6,122 | $553,200 | $2,025 | $102,464 | 134 |
| Massanetta Springs | 6,028 | $454,900 | $1,691 | $104,911 | 119 |
| Woodstock | 5,851 | $248,300 | $941 | $61,364 | 87 |
| Bensley | 5,819 | $252,360 | $1,183 | $49,695 | 90 |
| Stafford Courthouse | 5,780 | $564,800 | $1,947 | $97,030 | 134 |
| Ettrick | 5,760 | $184,400 | $1,223 | $54,857 | 83 |
| Dumfries | 5,749 | $590,557 | $1,743 | $78,373 | 140 |
| Marion | 5,694 | $160,600 | $696 | $37,357 | 74 |
| Covington | 5,671 | $80,200 | $822 | $42,724 | 66 |
| Emporia | 5,633 | $131,100 | $1,060 | $49,375 | 75 |
| Crosspointe | 5,632 | $921,400 | $0 | $247,708 | 169 |
| Moorefield | 5,598 | $802,700 | $2,706 | $200,754 | 171 |
| Dulles Town Center | 5,541 | $561,400 | $2,186 | $114,503 | 137 |
| Bealeton | 5,193 | $505,560 | $1,531 | $103,365 | 128 |
| Big Stone Gap | 5,193 | $169,900 | $823 | $51,059 | 76 |
| Richlands | 5,188 | $107,300 | $824 | $37,382 | 69 |
| Falmouth | 5,036 | $422,500 | $1,972 | $125,305 | 118 |
| Bluefield | 5,016 | $161,100 | $818 | $53,500 | 75 |
| Chamberlayne | 5,000 | $366,844 | $1,647 | $102,656 | 109 |
| Orange | 5,000 | $252,800 | $1,070 | $68,833 | 89 |
FAQ: Living in Virginia
What is the most affordable city to live in Virginia?+
Among the cities we track, Covington stands out as the most affordable option in Virginia. The median home value there is $80,200, and monthly rent typically runs around $822. The local median household income is $42,724, which tends to go further here than in much of the state.
What is the most expensive city in Virginia?+
Great Falls is currently the priciest market in VA. Homes there are valued at a median of $1,658,249, and renters can expect to pay around $3,463/month. Incomes are higher too — the median household earns $250,001 — but whether that fully offsets the cost premium depends on your lifestyle.
How are taxes in Virginia?+
Virginia has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 5.75%. Property taxes average 0.82% statewide. Combined state and local sales tax can reach 5.75%.
How much does housing vary across Virginia?+
There's a huge range. In Covington, the median home costs around $80,200. In Great Falls, that number jumps to $1,658,249 — roughly 20x more. Rents follow a similar pattern: approximately $822/month vs. $3,463/month. Where you choose to settle within VA can make a dramatic difference in your monthly budget.
Is Virginia a good state to move to?+
It depends on your priorities and budget. Virginia offers a wide range of living costs depending on the city. You can find very affordable communities alongside expensive metro areas. Home prices range from around $80,200 in budget-friendly areas to $1,658,249 in premium markets. Use the city comparison tool to compare housing, rent, property tax, and everyday cost pressure across locations in VA.
Explore Other States
- Real Estate & Housing: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI, Smoothed & Seasonally Adjusted) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). Structural fallback utilizes U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates.
- Goods, Utilities & Services: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Metropolitan Area Regional Price Parities (MARPP), incorporating verified State Nonmetropolitan averages.
- Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (PMMS) via Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).
- Tax Context: State-level property, sales, and income-tax context used for place-side relocation planning. Personal take-home pay and offer analysis are handled by salary.city.
- Index Methodology: Weighting matrix derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CEX) distributional models. Baseline standardized at 100. (Read methodology details)