Cost of Living in Sandston, VA

Population 7,011 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

76
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Sandston a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $202,000.

Geographically, Sandston sits roughly 9 miles east of Richmond. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Richmond's $328,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 66
Rent 91

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

About the Cost of Living in Sandston

The median home value in Sandston is $201,800 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,199/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,708/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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, Sandston has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$201,800
34% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$311,629
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,199/mo
9% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.0x
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 55.5%
Renter-occupied 44.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,199
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,813/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
25.9 min
4% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.9%
Carpooled
12.3%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
11.6%

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
$57,708
23% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,063
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
22% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Labor Force Participation
71.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.8%
Graduate degree 2.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.5
Male median age 38
Female median age 42.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
69.5°F
Avg Low
48.4°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
Annual Snowfall
8.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 485260707886908881716052
Low °F 293037465665696861493932
Precip" 3.232.614.003.184.004.644.374.904.613.393.063.51
Snow" 3.72.21.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.8

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
60.5%
Good air days/yr
159
Max AQI recorded
220
PM2.5 days
141
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sandston, VA?

Sandston has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.

What is average rent in Sandston, VA?

The median gross rent in Sandston is $1,199 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Sandston?

The median home value in Sandston is $201,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Sandston?

The median household income in Sandston is $57,708 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Sandston, VA?

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

Is Sandston, VA affordable?

Yes, Sandston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Sandston?

Sandston 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.

Sandston at a Glance

Population
7,011
Median Income
$57,708
Home Value
$201,800
Median Rent
$1,199/mo
Unemployment
5.8%
Avg High Temp
69.5°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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