Manassas, VA vs Roanoke, VA

The cost of living difference between Manassas, VA and Roanoke, VA is dramatic. Roanoke is 70.7% cheaper than Manassas, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Manassas has a cost index of 130 while Roanoke sits at 76, 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 Manassas is $1,835/month compared to $964/month in Roanoke — a 90% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Roanoke is more affordable at $180,500 median vs $434,700.

Median household income in Manassas is $117,919 compared to $52,671 in Roanoke (+123.9%). While Manassas is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Manassas spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, less than the 22% in Roanoke.