Cost of Living in Williamsburg, VA

With a cost of living index of 108, Williamsburg, VA is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 8% more expensive than the national average and 3% above the Virginia state average of 104. Williamsburg is a smaller community of 15,564 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Williamsburg's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,361 (3% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $393,200 (29% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.6x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Williamsburg is $70,206, which is 7% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 23% 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 Williamsburg. The area sees an average annual temperature of 59.5°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 42°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.1 inches spread over roughly 129 days.

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.