Cost of Living in Charlottesville, VA
Population 45,863 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Charlottesville's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $69,829 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Charlottesville is about 65 miles northwest of Richmond, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% higher than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Charlottesville
The median home value in Charlottesville is $448,400 — 47% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,453/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,829/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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 64.6°F and lows of 48.1°F. Overall, Charlottesville has a cost of living index of 132 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% more 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 44 | 48 | 55 | 66 | 72 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 66 | 56 | 47 |
| Low °F | 28 | 31 | 37 | 47 | 55 | 64 | 68 | 66 | 61 | 50 | 40 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.38 | 2.98 | 4.32 | 4.18 | 4.64 | 3.69 | 4.78 | 4.08 | 4.93 | 4.00 | 3.44 | 3.76 |
💨 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 Charlottesville, VA?
Charlottesville has a cost index of 132 (100 = national average). It is 32% above the national average.
What is average rent in Charlottesville, VA?
The median gross rent in Charlottesville is $1,453 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Charlottesville?
The median home value in Charlottesville is $448,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Charlottesville?
The median household income in Charlottesville is $69,829 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Charlottesville, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Charlottesville is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Charlottesville, VA affordable?
Charlottesville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 132 — about 32% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has average high temperatures of 64.6°F and average lows of 48.1°F. Annual precipitation is 48.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Charlottesville at a Glance
- Population
- 45,863
- Median Income
- $69,829
- Home Value
- $448,400
- Median Rent
- $1,453/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.6°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