Regional Price Parity, all items
101.1
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Housing price parity (rents)
106.8
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Utilities price parity
92.2
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Goods price parity
100.4
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Healthcare index
100
Regular gasoline price
$3.96 per gallon
Week of 2026-10-05 · U.S. EIA weekly retail price
Cost of living index
101.9
U.S. avg = 100
Housing cost index
108
Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2000–2024101.9▲ 3%
MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Composite cost index.
Regional Price Parity, all items
101.1
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Rank
26th cheapest
Trend
Rising
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024101.1▼ 2%
BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 101.1 | 100 |
- •Virginia is a state of two economies: Northern Virginia ranks among the most expensive metros in the country while Southwest Virginia is among the cheapest.
Housing Costs
Housing component of the index.
Housing price parity (rents)
106.8
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Median rent
$1,600
Median home value
$377,000
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024106.8▼ 5%
BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 106.8 | 100 |
- •Housing in Arlington and Alexandria can cost more than twice the state average.
Utility Costs
Energy and utility spending.
Utilities price parity
92.2
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Electricity price per kWh (Washington–Arlington–Alexandria)
$0.164 per kWh
2024 · BLS Average Price Data
Avg. electricity bill
$140 /mo
Summer cooling
Mostly electricity
Utilities price parity
2008–202492.2▲ 1%
BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Washington–Arlington–Alexandria)
1979–2024$0.164▲ 215%
BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS35A72610).
| Indicator | Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 92.2 | 100 |
- •Virginia's data-center corridor in Loudoun County consumes more electricity than several entire states.
Food Costs
Grocery spending.
Goods price parity
100.4
2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities
Monthly grocery spend
$445 /person
Trend
Near the U.S. average
Goods price parity
2008–2024100.4▼ 2%
BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 100.4 | 100 |
- •Virginia is a top-10 producer of tomatoes, peanuts and apples, which keeps some fresh produce close to home.
Healthcare Costs
Medical spending.
Healthcare index
100
Avg. annual premium
$8,050
Doctor visit
$130
| Indicator | Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare cost index | 100 | 100 |
- •Virginia's healthcare costs sit almost exactly at the national average, despite big gaps between NoVA and rural areas.
Transportation Costs
Cost of getting around.
Regular gasoline price
$3.96 per gallon
Week of 2026-10-05 · U.S. EIA weekly retail price
Avg. auto insurance
$1,320 /yr
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025$2.89▲ 181%
U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Lower Atlantic region (PADD 1C), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1Z_DPG).
| Indicator | Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $3.96 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Tolls on I-66 and I-495 express lanes can exceed $40 for a single rush-hour trip into Washington.
More figures
Utilities index
100
Food & groceries index
99
Healthcare index
101
Transportation index
100
Avg. electricity bill
$142 /mo