Cost of Living in Fort Lee, VA
Population 8,318 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Lee is a smaller Virginia community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $81,105 and housing costs give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 28.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Fort Lee sits roughly 20 miles southeast of Richmond. Richmond's typical home runs $328,000 for context.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Lee
Median rent runs $1,813/month, 38% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,105/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 28.4%, 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 69.5°F and lows of 48.4°F, with about 8.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fort Lee has a cost of living index of 138 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% more expensive.
Fort Lee is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 48 | 52 | 60 | 70 | 78 | 86 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 71 | 60 | 52 |
| Low °F | 29 | 30 | 37 | 46 | 56 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.23 | 2.61 | 4.00 | 3.18 | 4.00 | 4.64 | 4.37 | 4.90 | 4.61 | 3.39 | 3.06 | 3.51 |
| Snow" | 3.7 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Lee, VA?
Fort Lee has a cost index of 138 (100 = national average). It is 38% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Lee, VA?
The median gross rent in Fort Lee is $1,813 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Lee?
The median household income in Fort Lee is $81,105 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Lee, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Lee is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Fort Lee, VA affordable?
Fort Lee is above average in cost of living, with an index of 138 — about 38% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fort Lee?
Fort Lee has average high temperatures of 69.5°F and average lows of 48.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5". Average annual snowfall is 8.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fort Lee at a Glance
- Population
- 8,318
- Median Income
- $81,105
- Median Rent
- $1,813/mo
- Unemployment
- 28.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data