Cost of Living in South Boston, VA
Population 7,896 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $41,102, median household incomes in South Boston land roughly 45% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
South Boston is about 50 miles north of Durham, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 56% lower than Durham's $355,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Boston
The median home value in South Boston is $157,300 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $756/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,102/year is 45% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 69.8°F and lows of 46.7°F, with about 7.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, South Boston has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
South Boston 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 | 49 | 53 | 61 | 71 | 78 | 85 | 89 | 87 | 81 | 71 | 61 | 52 |
| Low °F | 28 | 30 | 37 | 45 | 54 | 63 | 67 | 66 | 59 | 46 | 36 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 2.73 | 3.53 | 3.53 | 4.13 | 3.98 | 4.88 | 3.47 | 4.25 | 3.30 | 3.46 | 3.06 |
| Snow" | 2.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South Boston, VA?
South Boston has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Boston, VA?
The median gross rent in South Boston is $756 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Boston?
The median home value in South Boston is $157,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Boston?
The median household income in South Boston is $41,102 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Boston, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Boston is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is South Boston, VA affordable?
Yes, South Boston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in South Boston?
South Boston has average high temperatures of 69.8°F and average lows of 46.7°F. Annual precipitation is 43.7". Average annual snowfall is 7.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South Boston at a Glance
- Population
- 7,896
- Median Income
- $41,102
- Home Value
- $157,300
- Median Rent
- $756/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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