Cost of Living in Shenandoah, VA

With a cost of living index of 80, Shenandoah, VA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and 25% below the Virginia state average of 104. Shenandoah is a small community of 3,131 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Shenandoah's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,036 (21% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $187,300 (39% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Shenandoah is $68,594, which is 9% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Shenandoah. The area sees an average annual temperature of 58.7°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 40°F. Annual rainfall totals 41.6 inches spread over roughly 124 days.

Everyday prices in the Harrisonburg, 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.