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Virginia is a southeastern state in the United States, with an Atlantic coastline extending from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. It is known as “the birthplace of a nation” and as the “Mother of Presidents.” Virginia has its own set of expenses and the average cost of living in Virginia for a month is around USD 1,037 for a person without rent.
In this guide, we’ll discuss various aspects of the cost of living in Virginia, such as housing rent, monthly local transportation costs, healthcare for general checkups, grocery costs, and overall affordability. It will help you get an idea of a living expenses budget if you are considering relocating to this fantastic city. Without further delay, let’s begin our discussion.
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Cost of Living in Virginia
Managing living expenses is a key factor to consider when relocating to Virginia. The average monthly cost of living in Virginia for a family of four is approximately USD 6,100 with rent in the city area, while for a single person, it is around USD 2,500.
The cost of living in Virginia is the same as the national average in the United States. The expenses needed to live comfortably in Virginia depend on various factors like the location you choose, the lifestyle you live, your family size, and your personal preferences. Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in Virginia across various categories:
Costs of Rent in Virginia
On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Virginia costs around 1,578 USD per month near the city centre, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to 2,457 USD. The average cost of rent in Virginia depends on several factors, such as location, size, lifestyle, etc., And it can also affect the cost of living in Virginia. The following table compares the cost of renting apartments within and outside the city centre:
| Apartment Location | Approx Monthly Cost |
| One-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | USD 1,578 |
| One-bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre | USD 1,417 |
| Three -bedroom Apartment in the City Centre | USD 2,457 |
| Three -bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre | USD 2,171 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Cuba: A Comprehensive Guide on Cuba’s Expense
Cost of a Utility in Virginia
The cost of utilities in Virginia you can pay around USD 156 monthly for basic utilities in Virginia, including electricity, water, heating, garbage, internet services, etc. In the table below, Utility costs in Virginia are provided for your convenience:
| Utility Type | Approx Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility Cost (Heating, Electricity, Cooling, Water, and Garbage) (for 85m2 Apartment) | USD 156 |
| Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone with Calls and 10GB+ Data | USD 51.50 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | USD 74.50 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Grocery in Virginia
On average, the total cost of groceries a person’s cost in Virginia might be around USD 92, considering each grocery item at a single unit measurement. The grocery costs include the cost of bread, milk, water, vegetables, fruit, and other eatable items. The costs of these groceries in Virginia are often lower than the overall cost of living in Virginia.The table below lists the average cost of groceries in Virginia:
| Grocery Item | Approx Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | USD 0.90 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | USD 2.71 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | USD 3 |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | USD 3.30 |
| Apples (1kg) | USD 5.16 |
| Banana (1kg) | USD 1.14 |
| Oranges (1kg) | USD 4.06 |
| Tomato (1kg) | USD 4.39 |
| Potato (1kg) | USD 2.71 |
| Onion (1kg) | USD 2.87 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | USD 1.80 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | USD 2.14 |
| meat, egg, drinks and Other items | USD 58 |
Source: Numbeo
Restaurant Costs in Virginia
Restaurants in Virginia offer a culinary adventure with a variety of seafood options at an affordable budget. The average cost in inexpensive restaurants for a meal of 2 people is around USD 20, which will not affect that much the cost of living in Virginia. In the table below, we have demonstrated the average restaurant costs you can pay in the country:
| Type of Restaurant | Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant |
| Meal for 2 person at an Inexpensive Restaurant | USD 20 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | USD 80 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Cost of Living in Hamburg: A Comprehensive Guide on Hamburg’s Expense
Transportation costs in Virginia
Various modes of transport in Virginia include air, water, and land transport, which provides for railways and roads. The cost of a one-way ticket in Virginia is around USD 0.88 for local transport. The overall cost of living in Virginia includes transportation costs, which are outlined in the table below:
| Mode of Transport | Approx Monthly Cost |
| Price of a One-way Ticket for Local Transport | USD 0.88 |
| Regular Price of Monthly Pass | USD 30 |
| Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | USD 2.50 |
| Cost of Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff) | USD 1.55 |
| Cost of Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | USD 23.00 |
| Gasoline (1 litre) | USD 0.88 |
Source: Numbeo
Average Tuition Fees in Virginia
Along with the cost of living in Virginia, figuring out the average tuition fees in Universities of Virginia can be a daunting task to anyone. Don’t worry; we bring it for you. The average tuition fee at the University of Virginia ranges around USD 58,950. The tuition fees are detailed in the table below, with the program and university.
| Name of University | Approx Tuition fees per year |
| University of Virginia | USD 58,950 |
| Virginia Tech | USD 36,090 |
| William & Mary | USD 48,841 |
| George Mason University | USD 37,976 |
| James Madison University | USD 30,790 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide
Things to Know When Moving to Virginia
If you are planning to move to Virginia, apart from the cost of living in Virginia various aspects should be considered before moving there. These factors are valid even if you are moving to study or for employment purposes. Virginia is a welcoming location for international students, and here are the factors that students should know when moving to Virginia:
Environment of Virginia
The environment provided by Virginia is very pleasing. Virginia has a range of cultures to explore and learn about, such as an urban-rural divide, deeply red pockets, and liberal college towns.
Weather in Virginia
Virginia is known for its stunning natural landscape and it has a humid climate characterised by hot and humid summers and moderately cold winters. In the mountains of Virginia, temperatures can drop to 0 °F during winter, while cool nights in summer and daytime temperatures lie around 90 °F. Across the state, precipitation levels of rain range from about 32 to 44 inches.
Jobs in Virginia
The average part-time salary in Virginia is around USD 30,226 per year, and you can earn around USD 14.53 per hour. Moreover, for entry-level jobs, salaries start at USD 25,400 annually, while most experienced workers make up to USD 48,750 annually, which helps students with their cost of living in Virginia.
Peanuts in Virginia
Peanuts are a significant part of Virginia’s cuisine. From peanut soup to peanut pie and meat from hogs fed with a peanut diet, this legume holds a special place in the hearts of Virginians. If you’re planning to move to Virginia, starting to appreciate peanuts cuisine is a good idea.
Innovative University in Virginia
Virginia is home to several prestigious universities and institutes known for their innovative academic programs and excellence in research. Moreover, its Universities are ranked among the top in the US for innovation.
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FAQs
Answer: For a single person the monthly cost of living in Virginia is around USD 1,037 without rent. Whereas, for a family of 4 members, the estimated living cost goes close to 3,706 without rent.
Answer: Living in Virginia can be significantly more affordable than in California because the cost of living in Virginia is around USD 1,037. In contrast, the cost of living in California is around USD 1,362.
Answer: The average cost of living in Virginia is around USD 1,037 for a single person without rent. It is more expensive than India, but you can live a good quality of life because it has a good salary, around USD 25,400 to USD 48,750 annually.
Answer: Virginia’s cost of living is comparable to the national average. Utilities are 3% greater than the national average, and housing is 2% higher. Food and clothing, two essentials, are around 1% less expensive here than they are elsewhere in the nation, while clothing is completely free.
Answer: To be able to live comfortably in Virginia depends solely on the city the student is living in. For Example: In Oregon, one is expected to have minimum money of EUR96.76, while in Rhode Island, one must have EUR 96,037.
Answer: In comparison to Virginia, New York City will have a 57% higher cost of living and 455% more expensive housing! In the Big Apple, petrol prices are more than 13% higher, while healthcare costs are almost 8% higher. Additionally, coffee costs nearly 27% more here than it does in Virginia.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Virginia. Many Virginia students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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