Cost of Living in Harrisonburg, VA
Population 51,492 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Harrisonburg's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $59,752 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 100 miles northwest of Richmond, Harrisonburg is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Harrisonburg
The median home value in Harrisonburg is $278,200 — 9% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,120/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,752/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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 69.2°F and lows of 48.1°F. Overall, Harrisonburg has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less 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 Harrisonburg, VA?
Harrisonburg has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Harrisonburg, VA?
The median gross rent in Harrisonburg is $1,120 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Harrisonburg?
The median home value in Harrisonburg is $278,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Harrisonburg?
The median household income in Harrisonburg is $59,752 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Harrisonburg, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Harrisonburg is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Harrisonburg, VA affordable?
Yes, Harrisonburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg 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.
Harrisonburg at a Glance
- Population
- 51,492
- Median Income
- $59,752
- Home Value
- $278,200
- Median Rent
- $1,120/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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Virginia Rankings
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