A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
5%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Christiansburg Virginia National
Cost of living99109100
Goods & Services100100100
Groceries98101100
Health care9299100
Housing105130100
Transportation8995100
Utilities94104100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Christiansburg, VA

Understanding the cost of living in Christiansburg can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Christiansburg cost of living index is 99, which is 1% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Christiansburg is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Christiansburg Affordable?

Wondering if Christiansburg is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Christiansburg, for example, the median home price is 6.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 0.8% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Christiansburg boasting a median household income of $63,372, which is 14.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Christiansburg?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Christiansburg, the transportation index is 11.3% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Christiansburg, the housing index is 4.6% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Christiansburg cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Christiansburg is 9% lower than the Virginia average
  • The cost of living in Christiansburg is 1% lower than the national average
  • Christiansburg housing is 5% higher than the national average
  • Virginia general sales tax is 4% higher than the national average
  • Virginia state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Christiansburg

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Compare Christiansburg, VA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$80,275$6,690$1,873$2,408
      Renters$42,114$3,510$983$1,264
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Christiansburg, VA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Christiansburg, the median monthly income is $80,275 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,873 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $42,114, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $983 on monthly rental expenses.

      Virginia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Virginia 5.3% 6%

      Virginia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Virginia 2% 5.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Christiansburg National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.83$24.2614.7%
      Beauty Salon $59.17$45.5629.9%
      Toothpaste $4.10$3.7010.8%
      Shampoo $1.72$1.2834.3%
      Movie $15.61$12.1328.7%
      Bowling $27.24$18.0051.4%

      Groceries

      Item Christiansburg National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.67$5.842.8%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.5710.4%
      Milk $4.83$4.673.4%
      Potatoes $5.33$4.938.0%
      Pizza $12.62$12.094.4%
      Beer $11.14$10.417.0%

      Health Care

      Item Christiansburg National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $130.89$125.684.1%
      Doctor $159.79$135.7817.7%
      Dentist $125.44$113.2910.7%
      Ibuprofen $11.37$10.656.7%
      Lipitor $460.80$468.601.7%

      Housing

      Item Christiansburg National avg. Difference
      Home Price $197,400.00$184,700.006.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $4,632.77$2,346.6997.4%
      Apartment Rent $941.00$949.000.8%

      Transportation

      Item Christiansburg National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.51$3.461.3%
      Tire Balancing $80.00$59.9233.5%

      Utilities

      Item Christiansburg National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $200.62$193.993.4%
      Phone $184.83$192.253.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Snowville, VA65963.6%
      New River, VA370963.6%
      Parrott, VA301963.6%
      Lafayette, VA813963.6%
      Plum Creek, VA1,0668514.6%
      Christiansburg, VA22,482991.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mandan, ND22,4821021.7%
      Highland, IN22,4791022.0%
      Dolton, IL22,487972.7%
      Lennox, CA22,47614948.8%
      White Rock, BC22,468n/a 
      Christiansburg, VA22,482991.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.