Cost of Living in Prince William County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Prince William County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Prince William County ranks #2,582 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 18%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Prince William County, Virginia
Prince William: High income, high costs
Prince William County achieves a rent-to-income ratio of exactly 18.6%—matching Virginia's state average—despite the highest median rent of all eight counties at $2,002 monthly. This affordability is possible only because median household income here is $128,873, the highest of any county profiled and $54,118 above the national median.
Meets Virginia's affordability standard
Prince William's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% equals Virginia's state average, but achieves this through high incomes rather than low rents. At $2,002 monthly, Prince William's median rent is 75% higher than the state average of $1,140, reflecting its position as Northern Virginia's economic engine.
Most expensive overall in the region
Prince William's median rent of $2,002 and median home value of $500,600 dwarf those in Pulaski ($815 rent, $182,500 home value) and Prince Edward ($898 rent, $203,700 home value). Only Rappahannock's home values approach Prince William's, yet even there, renters pay $418 less monthly.
Wealth absorbs premium housing costs
Renters in Prince William pay $2,002 monthly while homeowners face $2,374—the highest owner costs of any county profiled—on a median home value of $500,600. With median household income at $128,873 annually ($10,739 monthly), these costs consume 18.6–22% of income, leaving substantial room for other expenses.
Prince William for high earners only
Relocating to Prince William County requires household income of $120,000+ to afford median housing costs comfortably. The payoff: proximity to Northern Virginia job centers, excellent schools, and a affluent community—but expect to pay a premium for every advantage.
Cost of Living Advisory: Prince William County
Affordability Verdict
Prince William County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $2,002/month representing approximately 18.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Prince William County is $2,002/month, while owner costs run $2,374/month. Renting saves approximately $372/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $80,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $101,743/year. With a median household income of $128,873, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Prince William County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Prince William County is more affordable than Stafford County by roughly 4% ($2,002/mo vs $1,925/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Prince William County
Rent Burden
18.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,007
per month
Owner Cost Burden
22.1%
of gross income
The median home in Prince William County may be a stretch
Median home value is $500,600. Estimated monthly cost: $3,996 vs. your max of $3,007.
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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