A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
5%
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 Waynesboro Virginia National
Cost of living101111100
Groceries104103100
Health care104103100
Housing95129100
Transportation103105100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101103100
Household Items104102100
Education & Childcare106109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Waynesboro, VA

The cost of living in Waynesboro affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Waynesboro is 101, which is 1% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Waynesboro aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Waynesboro residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Waynesboro Affordable?

Is Waynesboro affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Waynesboro, the median home price is 0.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 18.1% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Waynesboro boasting a median household income of $65,291, 19.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waynesboro?

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Waynesboro comes in at 6.2% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Waynesboro, is 4.8% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Waynesboro, the transportation index is 3.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro is 9% lower than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Waynesboro is 1% higher than the national average
  • Waynesboro housing is 5% 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 Waynesboro

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Compare Waynesboro, 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$96,205$8,017$2,245$2,886
      Renters$39,737$3,311$927$1,192
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Waynesboro, VA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Waynesboro homeowners, is $96,205. This would allow for a maximum of $2,245 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $39,737 which would result in a maximum of $927 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Wintergreen, VA5051044.0%
      Crimora, VA2,388964.1%
      Verona, VA4,1081000.2%
      Sherando, VA5631000.3%
      Staunton, VA25,5431011.1%
      Waynesboro, VA23,0021011.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hudson, OH22,99612827.6%
      Mustang, OK22,986973.3%
      South Lake Tahoe, CA23,04913130.5%
      Middletown, DE23,05711716.9%
      Mount Pearl, NL23,066n/a 
      Waynesboro, VA23,0021011.4%
      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.