Charlottesville, VA vs Lorton, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Charlottesville is 29.2% cheaper than Lorton. With a cost index of 115 vs 163, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Charlottesville to Lorton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Charlottesville is $1,453/month compared to $2,537/month in Lorton — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Charlottesville is more affordable at $448,400 median vs $583,900.

Median household income in Charlottesville is $69,829 compared to $136,719 in Lorton (-48.9%). While Lorton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Charlottesville spend roughly 25% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Lorton.