Cost of Living in Valdosta, GA
Population 55,222 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $45,849, median household incomes in Valdosta land roughly 39% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 65 miles east of Tallahassee, Valdosta is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Tallahassee's $276,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Valdosta
The median home value in Valdosta is $165,300 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,000/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,849/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Valdosta has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Valdosta, GA?
Valdosta has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Valdosta, GA?
The median gross rent in Valdosta is $1,000 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Valdosta?
The median home value in Valdosta is $165,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Valdosta?
The median household income in Valdosta is $45,849 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Valdosta, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Valdosta is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Valdosta, GA affordable?
Yes, Valdosta is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
Valdosta at a Glance
- Population
- 55,222
- Median Income
- $45,849
- Home Value
- $165,300
- Median Rent
- $1,000/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
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Georgia Rankings
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