Cost of Living in Buena Vista, VA
Population 6,612 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buena Vista is a smaller Virginia community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $54,458 and housing costs ($154,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 105 miles west of Richmond, Buena Vista is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Buena Vista
The median home value in Buena Vista is $153,500 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,067/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,458/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 67.4°F and lows of 45.0°F, with about 11.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Buena Vista has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
Buena Vista has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 46 | 50 | 58 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 87 | 85 | 79 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 26 | 28 | 35 | 44 | 53 | 61 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.46 | 2.91 | 3.76 | 3.45 | 3.98 | 3.82 | 4.19 | 3.22 | 3.96 | 3.12 | 3.39 | 3.50 |
| Snow" | 3.5 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Buena Vista, VA?
Buena Vista has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buena Vista, VA?
The median gross rent in Buena Vista is $1,067 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buena Vista?
The median home value in Buena Vista is $153,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buena Vista?
The median household income in Buena Vista is $54,458 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buena Vista, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buena Vista is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Buena Vista, VA affordable?
Yes, Buena Vista is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Buena Vista?
Buena Vista has average high temperatures of 67.4°F and average lows of 45.0°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8". Average annual snowfall is 11.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Buena Vista at a Glance
- Population
- 6,612
- Median Income
- $54,458
- Home Value
- $153,500
- Median Rent
- $1,067/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 67.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs