Cost of Living in Laurel, VA
Population 18,180 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Laurel a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $272,000.
Laurel sits roughly 7 miles north of Richmond — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laurel
The median home value in Laurel is $272,300 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,497/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $69,932/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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 68.8°F and lows of 47.1°F. Overall, Laurel has a cost of living index of 99 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% 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 | 59 | 70 | 77 | 85 | 89 | 87 | 81 | 70 | 60 | 51 |
| Low °F | 28 | 30 | 36 | 45 | 55 | 63 | 68 | 66 | 59 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.48 | 2.87 | 3.89 | 3.43 | 4.33 | 4.14 | 3.98 | 4.93 | 4.04 | 3.65 | 3.39 | 3.68 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Laurel, VA?
Laurel has a cost index of 99 (100 = national average). It is 1% below the national average.
What is average rent in Laurel, VA?
The median gross rent in Laurel is $1,497 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laurel?
The median home value in Laurel is $272,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Laurel?
The median household income in Laurel is $69,932 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laurel, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laurel is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Laurel, VA affordable?
Laurel is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 99 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Laurel?
Laurel has average high temperatures of 68.8°F and average lows of 47.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Laurel at a Glance
- Population
- 18,180
- Median Income
- $69,932
- Home Value
- $272,300
- Median Rent
- $1,497/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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