Cost of Living in Culpeper, VA
Population 20,437 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Culpeper is effectively a commuter community: the average resident spends 37 minutes each way getting to work, well above the 27-minute US median. Housing costs ($366,000 for a typical home) tend to reflect the tradeoff between price and access. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Culpeper is about 55 miles west of Alexandria, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Culpeper
The median home value in Culpeper is $366,300 — 20% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,408/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $91,429/year is 23% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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 69.2°F and lows of 48.1°F. Overall, Culpeper has a cost of living index of 115 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% 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 | 47 | 51 | 60 | 70 | 78 | 86 | 90 | 87 | 81 | 71 | 60 | 51 |
| Low °F | 30 | 31 | 38 | 47 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
| Precip" | 2.96 | 2.35 | 3.54 | 3.17 | 4.17 | 4.38 | 3.37 | 3.87 | 4.09 | 3.31 | 3.36 | 3.04 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Culpeper, VA?
Culpeper has a cost index of 115 (100 = national average). It is 15% above the national average.
What is average rent in Culpeper, VA?
The median gross rent in Culpeper is $1,408 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Culpeper?
The median home value in Culpeper is $366,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Culpeper?
The median household income in Culpeper is $91,429 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Culpeper, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Culpeper is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Culpeper, VA affordable?
Culpeper is above average in cost of living, with an index of 115 — about 15% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Culpeper?
Culpeper has average high temperatures of 69.2°F and average lows of 48.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Culpeper at a Glance
- Population
- 20,437
- Median Income
- $91,429
- Home Value
- $366,300
- Median Rent
- $1,408/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.2°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