Cost of Living in Rockwood, VA

With a cost of living index of 117, Rockwood, VA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 17% more expensive than the national average and 13% above the Virginia state average of 104. Rockwood is a smaller community of 8,834 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Rockwood's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,875 (42% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $312,500 (2% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Rockwood is $90,804, which is 21% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Rockwood. The area sees an average annual temperature of 58.9°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.5 inches spread over roughly 119 days.

Everyday prices in the Richmond, VA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.