Cost of Living in Williamsburg city, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Williamsburg city Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Williamsburg city ranks #1,598 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Williamsburg city, Virginia
Williamsburg renters stretch budgets nationwide
Williamsburg's rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% significantly exceeds the national norm, meaning renters here dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing—well above the sustainable 30% threshold and higher than comparable markets. The median household income of $70,206 falls below the national average of $74,755, while median rent of $1,361 climbs well above what local wages typically support.
Williamsburg ranks among Virginia's priciest
With a 23.3% rent-to-income ratio, Williamsburg faces affordability pressure that exceeds Virginia's statewide average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's less affordable markets for renters. The city's median rent of $1,361 outpaces the state average of $1,140 by $221 monthly, widening the gap between local wages and housing costs.
Williamsburg vs. Winchester: college town premium
Williamsburg renters pay $63 more per month than Winchester renters ($1,361 vs. $1,298), yet both cities struggle with affordability ratios above Virginia's 18.6% average—Williamsburg at 23.3% and Winchester at 24.1%. Winchester homebuyers face steeper monthly costs at $1,367, but Williamsburg's median home value of $393,200 reflects stronger property appreciation in this historic destination.
Rent dominates Williamsburg household budgets
At $1,361 monthly, median rent consumes 23.3% of Williamsburg's $70,206 median household income, while homeowners pay $1,117 monthly (19.1% of income). Together, these housing costs leave limited room for other expenses, making Williamsburg less affordable than state averages for both renters and owners.
Consider Williamsburg if you value culture
Williamsburg offers walkable, historic neighborhoods and strong schools, but prospective residents should budget carefully—housing consumes nearly a quarter of income here. If you're relocating, compare Williamsburg's cultural amenities against the 5-point affordability premium you'll pay versus southwestern Virginia alternatives like Wise or Wythe counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Williamsburg city
Affordability Verdict
Williamsburg city offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,361/month — about 23.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Williamsburg city is $1,361/month, while owner costs run $1,117/month. Owning saves approximately $244/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $54,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,871/year. With a median household income of $70,206, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Williamsburg city are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Culpeper County where rent averages $1,417/month, Williamsburg city is approximately 4% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Williamsburg city
Rent Burden
23.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,638
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.1%
of gross income
The median home in Williamsburg city may be a stretch
Median home value is $393,200. Estimated monthly cost: $3,139 vs. your max of $1,638.
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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