Cost of Living in University Center, VA
Population 4,107 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
University Center is a smaller Virginia community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $112,000 and housing costs ($478,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
University Center sits roughly 20 miles northwest of Arlington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in University Center
The median home value in University Center is $477,800 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,134/month, 62% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,000/year is 50% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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%. Overall, University Center has a cost of living index of 159 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% more expensive.
University Center is a campus community
This Census-Designated Place covers the University Center campus. Students and staff typically live in surrounding communities — 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in University Center, VA?
University Center has a cost index of 159 (100 = national average). It is 59% above the national average.
What is average rent in University Center, VA?
The median gross rent in University Center is $2,134 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in University Center?
The median home value in University Center is $477,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in University Center?
The median household income in University Center is $112,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in University Center, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in University Center is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is University Center, VA affordable?
University Center is above average in cost of living, with an index of 159 — about 59% higher than the national average.
University Center at a Glance
- Population
- 4,107
- Median Income
- $112,000
- Home Value
- $477,800
- Median Rent
- $2,134/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs