Cost of Living in Lake Ridge, VA

Population 45,007 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

150
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

A 42-minute average commute puts Lake Ridge squarely in exurban territory — the kind of place where many households optimize for housing cost over proximity to work. Home values of $453,000 reflect that spatial discount.

Lake Ridge sits roughly 15 miles southwest of Alexandria — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 148
Rent 153

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

About the Cost of Living in Lake Ridge

The median home value in Lake Ridge is $452,800 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,011/month, 53% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $120,844/year is 62% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 67.1°F and lows of 49.1°F, with about 12.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lake Ridge has a cost of living index of 150 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$452,800
48% above avg
Median Rent
$2,011/mo
53% 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 76.1%
Renter-occupied 23.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,011
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,625/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
42.2 min
56% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.7%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public transit
3.4%
Walked
0.4%
Work from home
17.9%

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
$120,844
62% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,112
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
19% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
Labor Force Participation
70.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.2%
Graduate degree 21.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.4
Male median age 36.4
Female median age 38.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.1°F
Avg Low
49.1°F
Annual Precip
41"
Annual Snowfall
12.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 454856687684888680695849
Low °F 283037475766716962503932
Precip" 2.662.363.583.163.633.534.644.243.433.333.143.33
Snow" 3.55.81.40.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 37 — Good
90.1%
Good air days/yr
129
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
361
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lake Ridge, VA?

Lake Ridge has a cost index of 150 (100 = national average). It is 50% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lake Ridge, VA?

The median gross rent in Lake Ridge is $2,011 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lake Ridge?

The median home value in Lake Ridge is $452,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lake Ridge?

The median household income in Lake Ridge is $120,844 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lake Ridge, VA?

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

Is Lake Ridge, VA affordable?

Lake Ridge is above average in cost of living, with an index of 150 — about 50% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lake Ridge?

Lake Ridge has average high temperatures of 67.1°F and average lows of 49.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Average annual snowfall is 12.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lake Ridge at a Glance

Population
45,007
Median Income
$120,844
Home Value
$452,800
Median Rent
$2,011/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
67.1°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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