Charlottesville, VA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Charlottesville has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Charlottesville | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 114 | 163 | Charlottesville |
| Housing | 129 ($1,017) | 208 ($1,330) | Charlottesville |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Charlottesville |
| Food & groceries | 94 ($385) | 142 ($582) | Charlottesville |
| Utilities | 115 ($232) | 154 ($374) | Charlottesville |
| Healthcare | 115 ($168) | 154 ($270) | Charlottesville |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 189 ($91,540) | Charlottesville |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlottesville, VA or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Charlottesville, VA is cheaper overall by about 49 index points (Charlottesville, VA: 114, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Charlottesville, VA vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $39,900/year in Charlottesville, VA and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.