Cost of Living in Shenandoah, VA
Population 3,131 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Shenandoah can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $187,000 against $68,594 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Shenandoah lies roughly 85 miles west of the nearest major metro, Alexandria — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shenandoah
The median home value in Shenandoah is $187,300 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,036/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,594/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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 69.2°F and lows of 48.1°F. Overall, Shenandoah has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.
Shenandoah has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 60 | 70 | 78 | 86 | 90 | 87 | 81 | 71 | 60 | 51 |
| Low °F | 30 | 31 | 38 | 47 | 56 | 64 | 68 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
| Precip" | 2.96 | 2.35 | 3.54 | 3.17 | 4.17 | 4.38 | 3.37 | 3.87 | 4.09 | 3.31 | 3.36 | 3.04 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shenandoah, VA?
Shenandoah has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shenandoah, VA?
The median gross rent in Shenandoah is $1,036 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shenandoah?
The median home value in Shenandoah is $187,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Shenandoah?
The median household income in Shenandoah is $68,594 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shenandoah, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shenandoah is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Shenandoah, VA affordable?
Yes, Shenandoah is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Shenandoah?
Shenandoah has average high temperatures of 69.2°F and average lows of 48.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shenandoah at a Glance
- Population
- 3,131
- Median Income
- $68,594
- Home Value
- $187,300
- Median Rent
- $1,036/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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Virginia Rankings
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