Cost of Living in Harrisonburg city, Virginia

$1,120/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$278,200

Median Home Value

2% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,120/mo

2% below state average

Median Home Value

$278,200

1% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Harrisonburg city Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Harrisonburg city$1,120/mo

Virginia Average$1,140/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,120/mo

Median Gross Rent

$278,200

Median Home Value

$1,191/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Harrisonburg city, Virginia

Harrisonburg Faces Tighter Housing Pressures

Harrisonburg's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% exceeds both the national benchmark and Virginia's state average of 18.6%, signaling that housing costs consume a larger slice of local income. The city's median household income of $59,752 trails the national median by 20%, creating a double squeeze on affordability.

Mid-Range Affordability Within Virginia

At 22.5%, Harrisonburg's rent-to-income ratio places it among Virginia's less affordable communities, falling well above the state average of 18.6%. This reflects the city's draw as a college town and regional center, which has driven housing demand and costs upward.

Pricier Than the Rural Piedmont

Harrisonburg's median rent of $1,120 sits above Highland County ($859) and Henry County ($705), though lower than Hanover ($1,496) and Henrico ($1,474). Despite lower rents than neighboring Henrico, Harrisonburg residents earn substantially less ($59,752 vs. $86,397), making housing a larger financial burden.

Housing Eats Into Your Budget Here

Harrisonburg renters pay $1,120 monthly—representing 22.5% of a median $59,752 annual income—leaving less discretionary income than state counterparts. Homeowners face $1,191 in monthly costs against the same income base, with median home values of $278,200 requiring careful financial planning.

Considering Harrisonburg? Know Your Numbers

The city's college-town appeal comes with housing costs that claim a larger share of income than Virginia's average—budget accordingly if relocating here. Compare Harrisonburg carefully against lower-cost rural options like Henry or Highland counties, or higher-income urban centers like Hanover if housing affordability is your priority.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Harrisonburg city

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

22.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,394

per month

Owner Cost Burden

23.9%

of gross income

The median home in Harrisonburg city may be a stretch

Median home value is $278,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,221 vs. your max of $1,394.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio22.5%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Harrisonburg city, Virginia?

Harrisonburg city, Virginia has a median monthly rent of $1,120/mo and a median home value of $278,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Harrisonburg city?

The median gross rent in Harrisonburg city is $1,120/mo. This is 2% below state average for Virginia.

Is Harrisonburg city affordable?

Harrisonburg city is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Harrisonburg city's rent compare to the state average?

Harrisonburg city's median rent of $1,120/mo is 2% below state average of $1,140/mo for Virginia.

What is the median home value in Harrisonburg city?

The median home value in Harrisonburg city, Virginia is $278,200. This is 1% below the national median home value of $281,900.