Cost of Living in Difficult Run, VA

Population 10,202 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

314
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Difficult Run sits 245% above the national median — $1.1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $250,001 (235% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Difficult Run sits roughly 13 miles west of Arlington. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Arlington's $865,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 345
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Difficult Run

The median home value in Difficult Run is $1,052,600 — 245% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, 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 66.0°F and lows of 45.3°F, with about 21" of annual snowfall. Overall, Difficult Run has a cost of living index of 314 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 214% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,052,600
245% above avg
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.1x
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 97.2%
Renter-occupied 2.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/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
33.9 min
26% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
35.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
52.1%
Carpooled
5.5%
Public transit
4.2%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
35.9%

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
$250,001
235% above avg
Per Capita Income
$113,373
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
70% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.4%
Labor Force Participation
62.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.0%
Graduate degree 48.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.7
Male median age 47.6
Female median age 44.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.0°F
Avg Low
45.3°F
Annual Precip
43.2"
Annual Snowfall
21"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 434655677583888679685747
Low °F 252734435362676558453629
Precip" 2.942.613.503.474.724.304.153.533.943.653.133.30
Snow" 6.97.03.90.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.32.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
59.5%
Good air days/yr
222
Max AQI recorded
216
PM2.5 days
130
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Difficult Run, VA?

Difficult Run has a cost index of 314 (100 = national average). It is 214% above the national average.

What is average rent in Difficult Run, VA?

The median gross rent in Difficult Run is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Difficult Run?

The median home value in Difficult Run is $1,052,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Difficult Run?

The median household income in Difficult Run is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Difficult Run, VA?

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

Is Difficult Run, VA affordable?

Difficult Run is above average in cost of living, with an index of 314 — about 214% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Difficult Run?

Difficult Run has average high temperatures of 66.0°F and average lows of 45.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.2". Average annual snowfall is 21". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Difficult Run at a Glance

Population
10,202
Median Income
$250,001
Home Value
$1,052,600
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Avg High Temp
66.0°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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🗺️ County data for Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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