B-
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
36%
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 Lake Monticello Virginia National
Cost of living114111100
Groceries104103100
Health care104103100
Housing136129100
Transportation103105100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101103100
Household Items104102100
Education & Childcare106109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lake Monticello, VA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lake Monticello? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lake Monticello stands at 114, making it 14% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Lake Monticello cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 36.4% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Lake Monticello Affordable?

Wondering if Lake Monticello is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Lake Monticello, for example, the median home price is 28% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 55.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Lake Monticello boasting a median household income of $120,173, which is 47.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lake Monticello?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Lake Monticello, healthcare costs are 3.6% higher than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Lake Monticello, the housing index comes in at 36.4% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Lake Monticello, the utilities index is 6.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Lake Monticello 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 Lake Monticello is 2% higher than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Lake Monticello is 14% higher than the national average
  • Lake Monticello housing is 36% 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 Lake Monticello

See all the best places to live around Lake Monticello

Compare Lake Monticello, 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$125,568$10,464$2,930$3,767
      Renters$71,751$5,979$1,674$2,153
      The affordability of the housing market in Lake Monticello, 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 Lake Monticello homeowners, the median income is $125,568. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,930 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $71,751. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,674 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.
      Palmyra, VA951044.0%
      Esmont, VA7551043.6%
      Gordonsville, VA2,0401043.7%
      Columbia, VA1051043.8%
      Scottsville, VA5701088.5%
      Lake Monticello, VA10,73911413.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sedona, AZ10,73814040.1%
      Cambridge, OH10,7388515.0%
      Celina, OH10,7418811.9%
      Sainte-Julienne, QC10,741n/a 
      Kearney, MO10,7361010.7%
      Lake Monticello, VA10,73911413.7%
      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.