Amherst, VA vs Dumfries, VA

The cost of living difference between Amherst, VA and Dumfries, VA is dramatic. Amherst is 39.7% cheaper than Dumfries, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Amherst has a cost index of 70 while Dumfries sits at 116, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Amherst is $686/month compared to $1,743/month in Dumfries — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Amherst is more affordable at $213,300 median vs $303,700.

Median household income in Amherst is $71,313 compared to $78,373 in Dumfries (-9%). Dumfries does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Amherst spend roughly 11.5% of their income on rent, less than the 26.7% in Dumfries.