Cost of Living in Chincoteague, VA

Population 3,300 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

98
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

With a median age of 57, Chincoteague functions largely as a retirement market. Housing costs — $329,000 for a typical home — anchor most household budgets, and the state's treatment of pension income tends to matter more than wage-driven tax comparisons. At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Chincoteague lies roughly 80 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Hampton. Median home values run roughly 41% higher than Hampton's $234,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 108
Rent 84

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Chincoteague

The median home value in Chincoteague is $329,200 — 8% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,102/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,292/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, above 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 66.2°F and lows of 49.3°F, with about 8.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Chincoteague has a cost of living index of 98 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 2% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$329,200
8% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$186,773
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,102/mo
16% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 74.5%
Renter-occupied 25.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,102
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,716/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
17.0 min
37% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.7%
Carpooled
2.7%
Walked
6.0%
Bicycle
6.5%
Work from home
9.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$62,292
16% below avg
Per Capita Income
$42,338
Unemployment Rate
8.3%
73% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
Labor Force Participation
49.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.1%
Graduate degree 15.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 56.8
Male median age 51.7
Female median age 58.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.2°F
Avg Low
49.3°F
Annual Precip
43.2"
Annual Snowfall
8.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 464955647381868479695951
Low °F 303137465665706963514134
Precip" 3.152.813.913.123.203.394.374.324.334.022.883.75
Snow" 3.52.30.70.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chincoteague, VA?

Chincoteague has a cost index of 98 (100 = national average). It is 2% below the national average.

What is average rent in Chincoteague, VA?

The median gross rent in Chincoteague is $1,102 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Chincoteague?

The median home value in Chincoteague is $329,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Chincoteague?

The median household income in Chincoteague is $62,292 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Chincoteague, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chincoteague is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Chincoteague, VA affordable?

Chincoteague is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 98 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Chincoteague?

Chincoteague has average high temperatures of 66.2°F and average lows of 49.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Average annual snowfall is 8.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Chincoteague at a Glance

Population
3,300
Median Income
$62,292
Home Value
$329,200
Median Rent
$1,102/mo
Unemployment
8.3%
Avg High Temp
66.2°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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