Cost of Living in Petersburg, VA
Population 33,365 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Petersburg's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $50,741 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Petersburg sits roughly 25 miles south of Richmond. Median home values run roughly 52% lower than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Petersburg
The median home value in Petersburg is $157,900 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,132/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,741/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.4%, 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, Petersburg has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% 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 | 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 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Petersburg, VA?
Petersburg has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Petersburg, VA?
The median gross rent in Petersburg is $1,132 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Petersburg?
The median home value in Petersburg is $157,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Petersburg?
The median household income in Petersburg is $50,741 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Petersburg, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Petersburg is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Petersburg, VA affordable?
Yes, Petersburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Petersburg?
Petersburg 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.
Petersburg at a Glance
- Population
- 33,365
- Median Income
- $50,741
- Home Value
- $157,900
- Median Rent
- $1,132/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
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