Cost of Living in Harrisonburg city, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harrisonburg city Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harrisonburg city ranks #2,657 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 15%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harrisonburg city
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Harrisonburg city is affordable. The median rent is $1,120/month against a median household income of $59,752, putting rent at 22.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Harrisonburg city is $1,120/month, while owner costs run $1,191/month. Renting saves approximately $71/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,043/year. With a median household income of $59,752, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Harrisonburg city are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Harrisonburg city is more affordable than Buena Vista city by roughly 5% ($1,120/mo vs $1,067/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harrisonburg city
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
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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