Cost of Living in Albemarle County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Albemarle County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Albemarle County ranks #2,120 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Albemarle County, Virginia
Albemarle's housing stays affordable despite high costs
Albemarle residents spend 19.0% of household income on rent, just slightly above the national average of 18.6%, thanks to a robust median household income of $102,617. This is 37% higher than the U.S. median, allowing higher housing costs to remain proportionally manageable.
Virginia's most affordable high-cost county
Albemarle ranks among Virginia's most balanced housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% just above the state average of 18.6%. Despite median rent hitting $1,623—42% above the state median—strong incomes here keep affordability stress relatively low.
Pricier than rural peers, cheaper than Northern Virginia
Albemarle's $1,623 median rent far exceeds rural counties like Amherst ($842) and Appomattox ($883), but remains $408 below nearby Alexandria ($2,031). Its $471,000 median home value sits between the rural counties and the premium-priced Northern Virginia metros.
High incomes buffer substantial housing costs
Renters pay $1,623 monthly while homeowners pay $1,611—nearly equal burdens reflecting the county's affluent market—on a median household income of $102,617. Together, housing consumes just under 19% of household income, well-managed for a county this desirable.
Albemarle rewards higher earners seeking balance
If your household income exceeds $100,000, Albemarle offers excellent quality of life with manageable housing costs despite above-state-average rents. The University of Virginia presence and Charlottesville cultural amenities make it worth the premium for affluent professionals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Albemarle County
Affordability Verdict
Albemarle County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,623/month — about 19.0% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Albemarle County is $1,623/month, while owner costs run $1,611/month. Owning saves approximately $12/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $64,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $69,043/year. With a median household income of $102,617, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Albemarle County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Goochland County where rent averages $1,567/month, Albemarle County is approximately 4% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Albemarle County
Rent Burden
19.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,394
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.8%
of gross income
The median home in Albemarle County may be a stretch
Median home value is $471,000. Estimated monthly cost: $3,760 vs. your max of $2,394.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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