Dumbarton, VA vs Merrimac, VA

The cost of living difference between Dumbarton, VA and Merrimac, VA is dramatic. Merrimac is 39.7% cheaper than Dumbarton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Dumbarton has a cost index of 99 while Merrimac sits at 71, 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 Dumbarton is $1,402/month compared to $1,099/month in Merrimac — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrimac is more affordable at $73,400 median vs $274,700.

Median household income in Dumbarton is $59,085 compared to $55,202 in Merrimac (+7%). Dumbarton 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 Dumbarton spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 23.9% in Merrimac.