Cost of Living in Franconia, VA

Population 18,141 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

185
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Franconia run well above the national baseline, with a median of $558,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $152,007 place the city among the better-paid Virginia metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Franconia sits roughly 5 miles southwest of Alexandria. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 183
Rent 188

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

About the Cost of Living in Franconia

The median home value in Franconia is $557,800 — 83% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,469/month, 88% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $152,007/year is 104% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, 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 67.8°F and lows of 50.9°F, with about 13.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Franconia has a cost of living index of 185 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 85% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$557,800
83% above avg
Median Rent
$2,469/mo
88% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.8x
Favors buying
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 77.2%
Renter-occupied 22.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,469
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,083/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
33.8 min
25% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
34.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
53.4%
Carpooled
3.8%
Public transit
7.0%
Walked
0.5%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
34.6%

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
$152,007
104% above avg
Per Capita Income
$75,045
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
42% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Labor Force Participation
77.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.3%
Graduate degree 32.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.7
Male median age 39.9
Female median age 41.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.8°F
Avg Low
50.9°F
Annual Precip
41.8"
Annual Snowfall
13.7"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 454857687785908881695849
Low °F 303239485868727164524235
Precip" 2.862.623.503.213.944.204.333.253.933.662.913.41
Snow" 4.95.02.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.11.7

💨 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 Franconia, VA?

Franconia has a cost index of 185 (100 = national average). It is 85% above the national average.

What is average rent in Franconia, VA?

The median gross rent in Franconia is $2,469 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Franconia?

The median home value in Franconia is $557,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Franconia?

The median household income in Franconia is $152,007 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Franconia, VA?

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

Is Franconia, VA affordable?

Franconia is above average in cost of living, with an index of 185 — about 85% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Franconia?

Franconia has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 50.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Average annual snowfall is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Franconia at a Glance

Population
18,141
Median Income
$152,007
Home Value
$557,800
Median Rent
$2,469/mo
Unemployment
2.8%
Avg High Temp
67.8°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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