Charlottesville, VA vs Hampton, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hampton is 22.6% cheaper than Charlottesville. With a cost index of 94 vs 115, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hampton to Charlottesville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Charlottesville is $1,453/month compared to $1,346/month in Hampton — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hampton is more affordable at $234,100 median vs $448,400.

Median household income in Charlottesville is $69,829 compared to $67,758 in Hampton (+3.1%). Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville spend roughly 25% of their income on rent, more than the 23.8% in Hampton.