Cost of Living in Manchester, VA
Population 12,347 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Manchester is a smaller Virginia community of around 12000 residents, where median household incomes of $72,465 and housing costs ($287,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 5 miles southwest of Richmond, Manchester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Manchester
The median home value in Manchester is $286,900 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,444/month, 10% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,465/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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, Manchester has a cost of living index of 100 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is on par with the national average.
🏠 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 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Manchester, VA?
Manchester has a cost index of 100 (100 = national average). It is near the national average.
What is average rent in Manchester, VA?
The median gross rent in Manchester is $1,444 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Manchester?
The median home value in Manchester is $286,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Manchester?
The median household income in Manchester is $72,465 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Manchester, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Manchester is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Manchester, VA affordable?
Manchester is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 100 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Manchester?
Manchester 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.
Manchester at a Glance
- Population
- 12,347
- Median Income
- $72,465
- Home Value
- $286,900
- Median Rent
- $1,444/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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Virginia Rankings
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