F
68%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
219%
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 Lowes Island Virginia National
Cost of living168111100
Groceries101103100
Health care101103100
Housing319129100
Transportation105105100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102103100
Household Items104102100
Education & Childcare108109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lowes Island, VA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Lowes Island? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Lowes Island stands at 168, making it 68% 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.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Lowes Island is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Lowes Island falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Lowes Island cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 219.5%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Lowes Island Affordable?

Wondering if Lowes Island 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 Lowes Island, for example, the median home price is 258.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 129.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Lowes Island boasting a median household income of $295,320, which is 263.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lowes Island?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Lowes Island, the groceries index is 1.1% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Lowes Island, the utilities index registers at 3.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Lowes Island 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 Lowes Island is 51% higher than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Lowes Island is 68% higher than the national average
  • Lowes Island housing is 219% 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 Lowes Island

See all the best places to live around Lowes Island

Compare Lowes Island, 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$307,705$25,642$7,179$9,232
      Renters$238,005$19,834$5,553$7,141
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Lowes Island, VA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Lowes Island have a median income of $307,705. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $7,179 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $238,005, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $5,553.

      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.
      Montgomery Village, MD35,13312726.7%
      University Center, VA3,99712424.4%
      Germantown, MD92,22913434.4%
      Bailey's Crossroads, VA24,24613635.6%
      Sterling, VA31,81613333.1%
      Lowes Island, VA11,59316868.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Nelson, BC11,592n/a 
      Kalaoa, HI11,59415454.0%
      Berkley, CO11,59112424.3%
      L'Île-Perrot, QC11,591n/a 
      Merriam, KS11,587982.1%
      Lowes Island, VA11,59316868.1%
      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.