Cost of Living in Dahlgren, VA

Population 3,417 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

115
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Dahlgren sits on the smaller end of the Virginia city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Geographically, Dahlgren is about 35 miles south of Alexandria, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 126
Rent 98

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

About the Cost of Living in Dahlgren

The median home value in Dahlgren is $383,400 — 26% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,291/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $106,071/year is 42% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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%. Overall, Dahlgren has a cost of living index of 115 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$383,400
26% above avg
Median Rent
$1,291/mo
2% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.7x
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 61.0%
Renter-occupied 39.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,291
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,905/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
28.5 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.2%
Carpooled
6.9%
Walked
0.8%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
15.4%

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
$106,071
42% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,557
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
16% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Labor Force Participation
72.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.8%
Graduate degree 11.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.3
Male median age 30.4
Female median age 35.2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Dahlgren, VA?

Dahlgren has a cost index of 115 (100 = national average). It is 15% above the national average.

What is average rent in Dahlgren, VA?

The median gross rent in Dahlgren is $1,291 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Dahlgren?

The median home value in Dahlgren is $383,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Dahlgren?

The median household income in Dahlgren is $106,071 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Dahlgren, VA?

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

Is Dahlgren, VA affordable?

Dahlgren is above average in cost of living, with an index of 115 — about 15% higher than the national average.