Charlottesville is consistently ranked one of America’s most sought-after cities in which to live, and it’s no wonder. This charming Virginia town has all the amenities of a city with the quiet, homey feel of breathtaking country living.
Charlottesville boasts quality education, abundant outdoor recreation, notable history, top activities and entertainment for families, beautiful scenery, great senior living options, and plenty more.
Before you pack up the moving truck and head to C’ville, we’ve provided a guide that shares where the city lands with cost of living expenses.
How Does the Cost of Living in Charlottesville Compare Nationally?
Although Charlottesville is a desirable town for many reasons, the cost of living is generally higher than in other parts of the country.
Home prices have greatly fluctuated in the last two years. By Q1 2022, median home prices in the US came in at $428,700. In Charlottesville, that cost was around $5,000 higher, bringing the median home price to $433,500. Thankfully, there are plenty of homes available that are listed below and above that median.
If you choose to rent in Charlottesville, a one-bedroom apartment currently costs about $1,300 a month.
Depending on where you live currently, you might also need to prepare for a higher grocery bill. The national average for food sits at $348.07 a month. In Charlottesville, the average monthly cost of food is $100 higher at $448.86.
With a jump in the cost of fuel nationally, you’ll be happy to discover that gas in Charlottesville comes in at a lower per gallon price. As of the end of June 2022, the average cost of gas in the US was $4.881. In Virginia, the average cost of gas per gallon came in at $4.703. Gas prices in Charlottesville ranged from $4.39 per gallon to $4.75 per gallon.
Charlottesville’s University of Virginia Medical Center ranks highly for many procedures in Virginia and, per 100,000 residents, there are approximately 5 times more physicians available in Charlottesville than the national average. Health services typically cost more in Charlottesville, with health costs coming in about 50% higher than the national average.
Can I Afford to Live in Charlottesville?
If you’re considering a move to Charlottesville, the average costs of homes, food, fuel, and health care only tell part of the story. You may be relocating from the West Coast, New York City, or Orlando—some of the most expensive US locations—in which case the cost of living in Charlottesville might feel like welcome relief.
It’s also important to factor in your income. You can compare your income to average costs in Charlottesville with this tool. Simply include your current location and salary, and this calculator will help to determine how your income compares to the cost of living in Charlottesville.
For example, if you’re moving from central Pennsylvania, you may need a slight bump in pay to maintain the same standard of living. Move from NYC, though, and you only need about half as much income!
Use the tool as a helpful guide before you move, but keep in mind that the calculator uses a base situation to determine if you can afford to live here. These estimates need to be applied to your specific situation.
There are many beautiful and distinct neighborhoods with available homes in Charlottesville that vary in cost. Average or median costs are helpful guides, but only provide part of the picture.
With more research, you’ll discover a perfect home at the right price for you. Denise Ramey Real Estate provides a guide on the unique neighborhoods in Charlottesville.
Also, Charlottesville is just one location within Albemarle County. If Charlottesville isn’t the right fit for you but you love the area, consider looking outside of C’ville. A few other popular towns in Albemarle County include:
- Crozet
- Staunton
- Ivy
- Earlysville
Finding the Home That Fits You
Buying a home is a major purchase, so it’s important to do your research beforehand. A skilled real estate agent from the Denise Ramey Team can help.
Denise Ramey real estate professionals are experts on Charlottesville. Contact the Denise Ramey Team today to learn more.
