F
57%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
181%
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 Idylwood Virginia National
Cost of living157111100
Groceries103103100
Health care103103100
Housing281129100
Transportation103105100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100103100
Household Items101102100
Education & Childcare111109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Idylwood, VA

Understanding the cost of living in Idylwood can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Idylwood cost of living index is 157, which is 57% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Idylwood may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Idylwood falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Idylwood 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 180.7% 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 Idylwood Affordable?

Is Idylwood an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Idylwood is 219.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 89.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Idylwood has a median household income of $150,857, which is 85.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Idylwood?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Idylwood, the transportation index is 2.9% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Idylwood, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5.3%, and income tax rates start at 2%.

Where is the Data From?

The Idylwood cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Idylwood is 41% higher than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Idylwood is 57% higher than the national average
  • Idylwood housing is 181% 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 Idylwood

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Compare Idylwood, VA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$190,267$15,856$4,439$5,709
      Renters$122,450$10,204$2,857$3,674
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Idylwood, VA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Idylwood, the median monthly income is $190,267 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,439 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $122,450, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,857 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Rose Hill CDP (Lee County), VA7318911.0%
      Woodlawn CDP (Carroll County), VA2,3348911.3%
      Wakefield town, VA838928.4%
      Belle Haven town, VA578991.4%
      Cottage City, MD1,1931055.5%
      Idylwood, VA18,49815756.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Michael, MN18,49911313.3%
      Marco Island, FL18,49116463.9%
      Sycamore, IL18,4851011.4%
      Colonia, NJ18,48413535.4%
      Avon, IN18,5171043.8%
      Idylwood, VA18,49815756.6%
      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.