Cost of Living in Williamsburg, VA

An Overview of Cost of Living in Williamsburg, VA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Williamsburg? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Williamsburg stands at 119, making it 19% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs significantly influence the Williamsburg cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 63.1%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Williamsburg?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 17 residents in Williamsburg to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 35% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 65% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Williamsburg Affordable?

Is Williamsburg affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Williamsburg, the median home price is 80.9% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 21.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Williamsburg boasting a median household income of $59,288, 7.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Williamsburg?

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Williamsburg, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5.3%, and income tax rates kick off at 2%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Williamsburg, the housing index stands at 63.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Williamsburg, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.