Cost of Living in Buena Vista, VA

With a cost of living index of 80, Buena Vista, VA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 24% below the Virginia state average of 104. Buena Vista is a smaller community of 6,612 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Buena Vista's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,067 (19% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $153,500 (50% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Buena Vista is $54,458, which is 28% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.