Big Stone Gap, VA vs Great Falls, VA

The cost of living difference between Big Stone Gap, VA and Great Falls, VA is dramatic. Big Stone Gap is 72.9% cheaper than Great Falls, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Big Stone Gap has a cost index of 69 while Great Falls sits at 253, 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 Big Stone Gap is $823/month compared to $3,463/month in Great Falls — a 76% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Big Stone Gap is more affordable at $169,900 median vs $1,342,400.

Median household income in Big Stone Gap is $51,059 compared to $250,001 in Great Falls (-79.6%). While Great Falls is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Big Stone Gap spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, more than the 16.6% in Great Falls.