Cost of Living in Winchester, VA
Population 27,981 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Winchester cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $326,000, rents near $1,298 a month.
Winchester is about 60 miles west of Arlington, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 62% lower than Arlington's $865,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Winchester
The median home value in Winchester is $325,900 — 7% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,298/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,648/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 64.8°F and lows of 43.4°F. Overall, Winchester has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% 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 | 41 | 45 | 54 | 65 | 74 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 67 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 24 | 25 | 32 | 42 | 51 | 60 | 65 | 63 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 2.60 | 2.14 | 3.42 | 3.36 | 4.05 | 3.85 | 3.78 | 3.02 | 4.03 | 2.99 | 2.73 | 3.00 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Winchester, VA?
Winchester has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Winchester, VA?
The median gross rent in Winchester is $1,298 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Winchester?
The median home value in Winchester is $325,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Winchester?
The median household income in Winchester is $64,648 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Winchester, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Winchester is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Winchester, VA affordable?
Winchester is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Winchester?
Winchester has average high temperatures of 64.8°F and average lows of 43.4°F. Annual precipitation is 39". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Winchester at a Glance
- Population
- 27,981
- Median Income
- $64,648
- Home Value
- $325,900
- Median Rent
- $1,298/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
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