F
82%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
266%
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 Vienna Virginia National
Cost of living182111100
Groceries101103100
Health care101103100
Housing366129100
Transportation104105100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107103100
Household Items104102100
Education & Childcare110109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Vienna, VA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Vienna? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Vienna stands at 182, making it 82% 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 you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Vienna may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Vienna falls within this bracket.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Vienna, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 265.8% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Vienna Affordable?

Is Vienna an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Vienna is 324.4% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 129.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Vienna has a median household income of $255,358, which is 214% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Vienna?

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.

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 Vienna starts at 5.3% and the income tax rates start at 2%.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Vienna, the housing index is 265.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Vienna 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 Vienna is 64% higher than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Vienna is 82% higher than the national average
  • Vienna housing is 266% 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 Vienna

See all the best places to live around Vienna

Compare Vienna, VA Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$281,375$23,448$6,565$8,442
      Renters$110,746$9,229$2,584$3,323
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Vienna, VA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Vienna, the median monthly income is $281,375 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $6,565 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $110,746, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,584 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Rose Hill CDP (Lee County), VA7318911.0%
      Woodlawn CDP (Carroll County), VA2,3348911.3%
      Wakefield town, VA838928.4%
      Belle Haven town, VA578991.4%
      Glassmanor, MD16,87711515.1%
      Vienna, VA17,10918282.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Farmingville, NY17,10913939.2%
      Camp Pendleton South, CA17,11015757.0%
      South Venice, FL17,1171099.3%
      Seven Oaks, SC17,121972.7%
      Defiance, OH17,1278712.6%
      Vienna, VA17,10918282.5%
      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.