Cost of Living in Suffolk, VA

With a cost of living index of 106, Suffolk, VA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 6% more expensive than the national average and in line with the Virginia state average. With a population of 96,638, Suffolk is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Suffolk's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,484 (13% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $329,600 (8% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Suffolk is $90,089, which is 20% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Suffolk. The area sees an average annual temperature of 61.4°F, with summers averaging 79°F and winters around 44°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.7 inches spread over roughly 114 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC (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.