Gainesville, VA

Very High · 192

Virginia · Population 18,036 · Updated March 2026

$2,444
Median Rent / Month
$168,978
Median Income
$660,800
Median Home Value
$2,806
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Gainesville

17.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$29,328
Annual Rent
$9,716
State Income Tax
$5,286
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Gainesville has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 192 (where 100 equals the national median), Gainesville residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,444/month while earning a median household income of $168,978/year.

The median home value in Gainesville, VA is $660,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,806 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 Gainesville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Gainesville

What is the cost of living in Gainesville, VA?
The cost of living index in Gainesville, VA is 192 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,444, median household income is $168,978/year, and the median home value is $660,800.
Is Gainesville, VA affordable?
No, Gainesville is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 192. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Gainesville, VA?
The median gross rent in Gainesville, VA is $2,444 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $29,328.
What is the median household income in Gainesville?
The median household income in Gainesville, VA is $168,978 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%.