| Index | Staunton | Virginia | National |
| Cost of living | 101 | 111 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 105 | 103 | 100 |
| Housing | 93 | 129 | 100 |
| Transportation | 102 | 105 | 100 |
| Utilities | 107 | 104 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 107 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 104 | 102 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 108 | 109 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Staunton 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 Staunton cost of living index is 101, which is 1% 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.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Staunton are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Staunton can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
Wondering if Staunton 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 Staunton, for example, the median home price is 5.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 9.8% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Staunton boasting a median household income of $77,763, which is 4.4% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Staunton, the utilities index stands at 7% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Staunton, healthcare costs are 5.4% higher than the national average.
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 Staunton, the transportation index is 2.4% higher than the national average.
The Staunton 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $107,449 | $8,954 | $2,507 | $3,224 |
| Renters | $54,013 | $4,501 | $1,260 | $1,621 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Virginia | 5.3% | 6% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Virginia | 2% | 5.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Middlebrook, VA | 0 | 105 | 4.5% |
| Augusta Springs, VA | 146 | 91 | 9.0% |
| Crimora, VA | 2,388 | 96 | 4.1% |
| Verona, VA | 4,108 | 100 | 0.2% |
| Sherando, VA | 563 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Staunton, VA | 25,543 | 101 | 1.1% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Forest Grove, OR | 25,554 | 123 | 23.5% |
| Kernersville, NC | 25,556 | 100 | 0.4% |
| Newport, RI | 25,565 | 143 | 43.1% |
| Ladera Ranch, CA | 25,567 | 203 | 103.0% |
| Silver Springs Shores, FL | 25,572 | 96 | 4.2% |
| Staunton, VA | 25,543 | 101 | 1.1% |
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