A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
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 Madison Heights Virginia National
Cost of living96111100
Groceries101103100
Health care104103100
Housing77129100
Transportation102105100
Utilities105104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107103100
Household Items103102100
Education & Childcare110109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Madison Heights, VA

Understanding the cost of living in Madison Heights 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 Madison Heights cost of living index is 96, which is 4% lower 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.

The cost of living in Madison Heights closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Madison Heights can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Madison Heights Affordable?

Is Madison Heights 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 Madison Heights, for instance, where the median home price falls 19.8% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 29.6% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Madison Heights flaunting a median household income of $75,292, 7.4% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Madison Heights?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Madison Heights starts at 5.3% and the income tax rates start at 2%.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Madison Heights, the transportation index is 2% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Madison Heights, the healthcare costs are 4.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Madison Heights 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 Madison Heights is 14% lower than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Madison Heights is 4% lower than the national average
  • Madison Heights housing is 23% lower 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 Madison Heights

See all the best places to live around Madison Heights

Compare Madison Heights, 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$88,649$7,387$2,068$2,660
      Renters$36,901$3,075$861$1,107
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Madison Heights is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Madison Heights has a median income of about $88,649 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,068 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $36,901. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $861 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Concord, VA1,045936.6%
      Big Island, VA178963.5%
      Amherst, VA2,640991.3%
      Rustburg, VA1,6321000.1%
      Lynchburg, VA83,7031000.2%
      Madison Heights, VA11,834964.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hamilton Square, NJ11,83612625.7%
      Byram, MS11,831937.4%
      Nanakuli, HI11,83014545.1%
      Lakeland Highlands, FL11,82812120.6%
      Mountain Top, PA11,8441011.0%
      Madison Heights, VA11,834964.0%
      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.