Charlottesville, VA

Above Avg · 118

Virginia · Population 45,863 · Updated March 2026

$1,453
Median Rent / Month
$69,829
Median Income
$448,400
Median Home Value
$1,529
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Charlottesville

25.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Virginia

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.3%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$17,436
Annual Rent
$4,015
State Income Tax
$3,587
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Charlottesville is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 118 (where 100 equals the national median), Charlottesville residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,453/month while earning a median household income of $69,829/year.

The median home value in Charlottesville, VA is $448,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,529 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%, Charlottesville falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Virginia has a moderate income tax rate of 5.75%. Combined with a 5.3% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Charlottesville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Charlottesville

What is the cost of living in Charlottesville, VA?
The cost of living index in Charlottesville, VA is 118 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,453, median household income is $69,829/year, and the median home value is $448,400.
Is Charlottesville, VA affordable?
No, Charlottesville is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 118. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Charlottesville, VA?
The median gross rent in Charlottesville, VA is $1,453 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $17,436.
What is the median household income in Charlottesville?
The median household income in Charlottesville, VA is $69,829 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Virginia?
Virginia has a top income tax rate of 5.75%, a sales tax of 5.3%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.