Can I Afford to Live in Virginia?
Virginia - Strong government jobs, NoVa tech scene, and diverse geography. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in Virginia
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in Virginia
With median home value of $380,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $95,000/year and a down payment of $38,000 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in Virginia
With median rent of $1,450/month, you should earn at least $52K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is above the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
Virginia residents earn a median household income of $80,615/year. Rent takes approximately 22% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in Virginia
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23222 Richmond | $746 | 42 |
| 2 | 23452 Virginia Beach | $1,221 | 62 |
| 3 | 23462 Virginia Beach | $1,224 | 67 |
| 4 | 23219 Richmond | $1,272 | 67 |
| 5 | 23220 Richmond | $1,319 | 66 |
| 6 | 23225 Richmond | $1,385 | 65 |
| 7 | 23451 Virginia Beach | $1,652 | 75 |
| 8 | 23226 Richmond | $1,657 | 75 |
| 9 | 23455 Virginia Beach | $1,701 | 73 |
| 10 | 23456 Virginia Beach | $1,863 | 74 |
| 11 | 23454 Virginia Beach | $1,980 | 74 |
| 12 | 23221 Richmond | $2,099 | 75 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in Virginia
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in Virginia
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Virginia?
To live comfortably in Virginia, you'd want to earn at least $52,200/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $380,000, aim for a salary of $95,000+.
Is Virginia expensive to live in?
Virginia has a median rent of $1,450/month, which is above the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in Virginia.
What is the most affordable city in Virginia?
The most affordable ZIP codes in Virginia are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.