Cost of Living in Williamsburg, VA
Population 15,564 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Williamsburg is a smaller Virginia community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $70,206 and housing costs ($393,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Williamsburg sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Newport News — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 62% higher than Newport News' $243,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Williamsburg
The median home value in Williamsburg is $393,200 — 29% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,361/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,206/year is 6% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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 49.5°F. Overall, Williamsburg has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 59 | 70 | 77 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 81 | 71 | 61 | 53 |
| Low °F | 31 | 32 | 38 | 47 | 56 | 65 | 70 | 68 | 63 | 51 | 40 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.05 | 2.58 | 3.35 | 3.08 | 3.66 | 4.07 | 4.69 | 5.36 | 4.95 | 4.16 | 3.00 | 3.19 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Williamsburg, VA?
Williamsburg has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.
What is average rent in Williamsburg, VA?
The median gross rent in Williamsburg is $1,361 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Williamsburg?
The median home value in Williamsburg is $393,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Williamsburg?
The median household income in Williamsburg is $70,206 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Williamsburg, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Williamsburg is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Williamsburg, VA affordable?
Williamsburg is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Williamsburg?
Williamsburg has average high temperatures of 69.5°F and average lows of 49.5°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Williamsburg at a Glance
- Population
- 15,564
- Median Income
- $70,206
- Home Value
- $393,200
- Median Rent
- $1,361/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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