Cost of Living in Suffolk city, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Suffolk city Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Suffolk city, Virginia
Suffolk's Affordability Squeeze
Suffolk city's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio stands among Virginia's highest, exceeding both national and state averages by a significant margin. With $1,484 monthly rent and $90,089 median household income, renters here face tighter housing affordability than most comparable communities nationwide.
Virginia's Tightest Affordability Ratio
Suffolk city's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst among all profiled Virginia counties, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by a notable 1.2 percentage points. This tight squeeze reflects the city's position as a major port and military hub where housing demand outpaces supply.
Hampton Roads' Housing Crunch
Suffolk's 19.8% ratio significantly exceeds Southampton County's 16.3% just 40 miles away, illustrating the dramatic affordability differential within the same region. This gap reflects Suffolk's role as a major economic center with higher incomes ($90,089) but proportionally even higher housing costs.
Steep Housing Cost Burden
Renters in Suffolk spend $1,484 monthly while homeowners pay $1,803—a $319 gap reflecting the city's expensive ownership market with $329,600 median home values. Despite the $90,089 median income, both renting and ownership consume a larger percentage of household budgets than surrounding counties.
Suffolk: Premium Port City Pricing
Suffolk city commands Hampton Roads' steepest housing costs ($1,484 rents, $329,600 homes) and worst rent-to-income ratio at 19.8%, reflecting major employer concentration. Compare Suffolk's affordability challenge against nearby Southampton County and rural alternatives before committing to relocation.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Suffolk city
Rent Burden
19.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,102
per month
Owner Cost Burden
24.0%
of gross income
The median home in Suffolk city may be a stretch
Median home value is $329,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,631 vs. your max of $2,102.
Rent Affordability Guide
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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.