The Most Affordable Cities in Virginia (2026)

Ranked by cost index: the average of renting, buying, goods, and services compared to the national average (100). All data from Census ACS 2024 and BEA Regional Price Parities 2023.

1

Norfolk

93.3

Rent: $1,417/mo · Homes: $311,200 · Income: $65,797

Up to 5.75% · Sales tax: 6.0%

2

Richmond

98.8

Rent: $1,451/mo · Homes: $377,900 · Income: $63,390

Up to 5.75% · Sales tax: 6.0%

3

Chesapeake

101.9

Rent: $1,630/mo · Homes: $388,600 · Income: $89,265

Up to 5.75% · Sales tax: 6.0%

4

Virginia Beach

105.0

Rent: $1,753/mo · Homes: $403,200 · Income: $94,579

Up to 5.75% · Sales tax: 6.0%

5

Alexandria

145.7

Rent: $2,110/mo · Homes: $704,200 · Income: $124,593

Up to 5.75% · Sales tax: 6.0%

Sources: Rent and home prices from Census ACS 2024. Goods and services from BEA Regional Price Parities 2023. Tax rates from Tax Foundation.