F
38%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
117%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Huntington Virginia National
Cost of living138111100
Groceries101103100
Health care102103100
Housing217129100
Transportation109105100
Utilities101104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105103100
Household Items102102100
Education & Childcare115109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Huntington, VA

Knowing the cost of living in Huntington allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Huntington stands at 138, marking it 38% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Huntington may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Huntington falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Huntington cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 116.9% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Huntington Affordable?

Is Huntington affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Huntington, for instance, where the median home price falls 130.4% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 85.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Huntington flaunting a median household income of $137,725, 69.3% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Huntington?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Huntington, the groceries index is 0.7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Huntington cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Huntington is 24% higher than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Huntington is 38% higher than the national average
  • Huntington housing is 117% higher than the national average
  • Virginia general sales tax is 4% higher than the national average
  • Virginia state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Huntington

See all the best places to live around Huntington

Compare Huntington, VA Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$203,726$16,977$4,753$6,112
      Renters$105,085$8,757$2,452$3,153
      The affordability of the housing market in Huntington, VA as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Huntington homeowners, the median income is $203,726. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,753 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $105,085. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,452 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Virginia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Virginia 5.3% 6%

      Virginia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Virginia 2% 5.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cedarville, MD59911010.1%
      Rose Hill CDP (Lee County), VA7318911.0%
      Potomac Heights, MD1,2959010.5%
      Woodlawn CDP (Carroll County), VA2,3348911.3%
      Wakefield town, VA838928.4%
      Huntington, VA13,93113838.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bay St. Louis, MS13,930982.4%
      Celina, TX13,93512120.8%
      Gladeview, FL13,938991.4%
      Ridge, NY13,94112626.1%
      Canton, IL13,9108712.9%
      Huntington, VA13,93113838.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.