Amherst, VA vs Stafford Courthouse, VA

The cost of living difference between Amherst, VA and Stafford Courthouse, VA is dramatic. Amherst is 51.3% cheaper than Stafford Courthouse, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Amherst has a cost index of 70 while Stafford Courthouse sits at 144, 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 $1,947/month in Stafford Courthouse — a 65% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Amherst is more affordable at $213,300 median vs $564,800.

Median household income in Amherst is $71,313 compared to $97,030 in Stafford Courthouse (-26.5%). The higher salaries in Stafford Courthouse partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Amherst spend roughly 11.5% of their income on rent, less than the 24.1% in Stafford Courthouse.