Cost of Living in University of Virginia, VA
Population 9,159 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
University of Virginia's demographic profile reads like a college town: median age of 20, and 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree — a share well above the national baseline. Housing and rent cycles track the academic calendar more than the broader Virginia economy. Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 65 miles northwest of Richmond, University of Virginia is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 29% higher than Richmond's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in University of Virginia
The median home value in University of Virginia is $422,200 — 38% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,385/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,635/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.7%, 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 64.6°F and lows of 48.1°F. Overall, University of Virginia has a cost of living index of 125 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% more expensive.
University of Virginia is a campus community
This Census-Designated Place covers the University of Virginia 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 44 | 48 | 55 | 66 | 72 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 66 | 56 | 47 |
| Low °F | 28 | 31 | 37 | 47 | 55 | 64 | 68 | 66 | 61 | 50 | 40 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.38 | 2.98 | 4.32 | 4.18 | 4.64 | 3.69 | 4.78 | 4.08 | 4.93 | 4.00 | 3.44 | 3.76 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in University of Virginia, VA?
University of Virginia has a cost index of 125 (100 = national average). It is 25% above the national average.
What is average rent in University of Virginia, VA?
The median gross rent in University of Virginia is $1,385 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in University of Virginia?
The median home value in University of Virginia is $422,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in University of Virginia?
The median household income in University of Virginia is $44,635 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in University of Virginia, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in University of Virginia is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is University of Virginia, VA affordable?
University of Virginia is above average in cost of living, with an index of 125 — about 25% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in University of Virginia?
University of Virginia has average high temperatures of 64.6°F and average lows of 48.1°F. Annual precipitation is 48.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
University of Virginia at a Glance
- Population
- 9,159
- Median Income
- $44,635
- Home Value
- $422,200
- Median Rent
- $1,385/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.6°F
- 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