Is Charlottesville expensive to live?

Charlottesville costs around $3,325 per person per month for a moderate lifestyle, slightly above the US national average of $3,275 and higher than most of the surrounding region. It is not cheap by Southern or Mid-Atlantic standards: West Virginia ($2,150), Tennessee ($2,750), North Carolina ($3,000), and Richmond ($3,000) all come in lower. The premium comes from housing. University of Virginia demand and a tight local rental market push one-bedrooms near campus into the $1,400 to $1,800 range, with Albemarle County offering some relief. Compared to major metros, Charlottesville is much cheaper than New York City ($5,775) or Los Angeles ($4,350), and slightly higher than Richmond ($3,000). For the full lifestyle tier breakdown, see our Charlottesville cost of living page.