Cheapest Places to Live in Virginia

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

Virginia, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities, offers a variety of living experiences. Landmarks such as Colonial Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, and Mount Vernon highlight the state's historical and natural attractions. The state's economy is robust and diverse, driven by sectors such as technology, healthcare, and education. Virginia's tax structure includes moderate income and property taxes, which contribute to its overall affordability. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, Virginia remains one of the more affordable states in the Mid-Atlantic region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes Virginia an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in Virginia can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a key factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in Virginia include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its historical significance and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Martinsville Population: 13,146 24% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $140,640 Med. Rent: $994 Med. Household Inc.: $53,215

With a cost of living index that is 24% cheaper than the state average, Martinsville is the cheapest place to live in Virginia. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Martinsville provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Galax Population: 6,612 23% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $179,431 Med. Rent: $847 Med. Household Inc.: $53,283

The second most affordable city in Virginia is Galax and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 23% cheaper than the Virginia average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Danville Population: 41,783 22% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $169,624 Med. Rent: $1,034 Med. Household Inc.: $56,373

Danville lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in Virginia, with a cost of living that is 22% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Collinsville Population: 7,198 22% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $185,113 Med. Rent: $892 Med. Household Inc.: $61,038

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Collinsville offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 22% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Richlands Population: 5,463 22% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $163,476 Med. Rent: $1,110 Med. Household Inc.: $43,634

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Richlands is ideal, with a cost of living that is 22% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the Virginia average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Big Stone Gap Population: 5,403 22% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $225,467 Med. Rent: $965 Med. Household Inc.: $59,543

Big Stone Gap comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in Virginia and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 22% cheaper than Virginia. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Bristol Population: 17,459 21% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $225,804 Med. Rent: $1,072 Med. Household Inc.: $59,358

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Bristol is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Marion Population: 5,865 21% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $204,116 Med. Rent: $913 Med. Household Inc.: $43,613

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Marion fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 21% cheaper than Virginia.

Covington Population: 5,839 20% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $123,602 Med. Rent: $1,155 Med. Household Inc.: $62,245

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Covington is one of the most affordable cities in Virginia, and has a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average.

Pulaski Population: 9,058 19% cheaper than Virginia average

Med. Home Value: $200,922 Med. Rent: $1,184 Med. Household Inc.: $74,450

With a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than Virginia, Pulaski comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in Virginia. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in Virginia

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Martinsville	13,146	83	$140,640	$53,215
2	Galax	6,612	85	$179,431	$53,283
3	Danville	41,783	85	$169,624	$56,373
4	Collinsville	7,198	85	$185,113	$61,038
5	Richlands	5,463	85	$163,476	$43,634
6	Big Stone Gap	5,403	85	$225,467	$59,543
7	Bristol	17,459	86	$225,804	$59,358
8	Marion	5,865	87	$204,116	$43,613
9	Covington	5,839	87	$123,602	$62,245
10	Pulaski	9,058	88	$200,922	$74,450
11	South Boston	7,916	90	$233,116	$60,053
12	Emporia	5,571	90	$217,907	$44,890
13	Abingdon	8,159	91	$296,155	$69,056
14	Petersburg	31,836	91	$196,131	$65,079
15	Madison Heights	11,834	92	$261,897	$75,292
16	Roanoke	102,987	92	$237,135	$68,155
17	Wytheville	8,084	92	$290,054	$59,951
18	Hopewell	23,190	92	$222,508	$63,640
19	Montrose	7,859	92	$209,810	$57,813
20	Bedford	6,790	93	$270,413	$58,990
21	Vinton	8,401	93	$271,251	$76,216
22	Buena Vista	6,692	94	$222,263	$53,921
23	Ettrick	5,172	94	$235,666	$72,583
24	Bensley	6,198	95	$248,898	$57,500
25	Radford	18,418	96	$310,532	$51,494
26	Bellwood	8,080	96	$250,001	$69,308
27	Lynchburg	83,703	96	$299,584	$72,552
28	Sandston	7,053	97	$271,335	$74,772
29	Highland Springs	15,404	97	$265,304	$69,928
30	East Highland Park	17,051	97	$270,324	$82,826
31	Farmville	8,368	97	$347,638	$50,315
32	Luray	5,002	97	$302,143	$75,973
33	Timberlake	13,515	98	$328,813	$84,424
34	Franklin	8,234	98	$326,120	$75,211
35	Hollins	15,501	98	$325,256	$102,354
36	Staunton	25,543	99	$307,795	$77,763
37	Christiansburg	23,191	99	$350,367	$92,562
38	Waynesboro	23,002	99	$329,523	$65,291
39	Portsmouth	98,194	100	$313,995	$77,881
40	Colonial Heights	17,631	100	$323,593	$89,873
41	Lakeside	13,009	101	$344,967	$82,780
42	Hampton	138,888	101	$333,449	$85,788
43	Salem	26,071	101	$364,976	$95,075
44	Newport News	184,134	101	$341,383	$79,966
45	Ashland	8,026	101	$344,430	$80,604
46	Orange	5,140	102	$388,906	$82,734
47	Stuarts Draft	11,723	103	$357,222	$93,428
48	Meadowbrook	20,418	103	$345,616	$97,222
49	Dumbarton	8,580	103	$362,127	$76,905
50	Harrisonburg	54,682	104	$389,653	$72,140

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in Virginia, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.