Moving to Virginia? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Virginia, known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state located on the southeastern coast of the United States. With a long history – being one of the 13 original colonies – the state has a mix of urban and rural areas, with vibrant cities like Richmond alongside the picturesque Shenandoah National Park.

If you are considering moving to Virginia, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Virginia Facts:

Population: 8.6 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $75,000+ (2021)
Random Fact: Virginia was one of the US’s original 13 colonies.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of mid 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Virginia

State	Estimated Moving Cost to Virginia
California	USD 3,000 – 5,000
Texas	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Florida	USD 2,000 – 4,000
New York	USD 1,500 – 3,500
Pennsylvania	USD 1,000 – 2,500
Illinois	USD 2,000 – 4,000
Ohio	USD 1,500 – 3,000
Georgia	USD 2,000 – 3,500
North Carolina	USD 1,000 – 2,000
Michigan	USD 2,000 – 3,500

These estimates are approximate and can vary based on specific requirements and services needed. For precise quotes, it’s best to contact moving companies directly.

2. Virginia Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Virginia can vary significantly between uptown and downtown areas.

Monthly Rental Prices in Virginia

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,500+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,330+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,370+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,200+

Virginia Home Purchase Prices

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $4,100+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $1,400+

Virginia Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Virginia compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 41.7% more expensive
New York is 59.7% more expensive
Los Angeles is 42.4% more expensive
Toronto is 17.8% more expensive
Sydney is 31.4% more expensive
Paris is 2.4% more expensive
Dubai is 18.1% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: In cities like Arlington and Alexandria, downtown rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment can range from approximately $1,800 to $3,000 per month, while suburban areas or smaller towns like Fredericksburg and Roanoke offer more affordable options, with house purchase prices ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 or higher, depending on the location.

3. Virginia Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Virginia’s food and drink scene embraces a combination of traditional Southern cuisine and modern culinary trends. The state is known for its seafood, particularly Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, as well as ham, peanuts, and oysters. Virginia is also home to a growing craft beer industry, with numerous breweries producing a wide range of unique and flavorful brews.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $20.00
Takeout Coffee: $4.50
Bottle of Coke: $2.30
1L of Milk: $0.89
Loaf of Bread: $2.60
12 Eggs: $3.30
1kg Chicken: $8.50
1kg Beef: $12.60
1kg Apples: $5.40
1kg White Rice: $3.30

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 25.1% more expensive and groceries are 1.7% cheaper than Virginia.
New York restaurants are 26.6% more expensive and groceries are 39.2% more expensive than Virginia.
Los Angeles restaurants are 25.2% more expensive and groceries are 23.1% more expensive than Virginia.
Toronto restaurants are 2.1% more expensive and groceries are 12.4% more expensive than Virginia.
Sydney restaurants are 2.1% more expensive and groceries are 12.4% more expensive than Virginia.
Paris restaurants are 0.5% more expensive and groceries are 20.2% more expensive than Virginia.
Dubai restaurants are 4.3% cheaper and groceries are 24.5% cheaper than Virginia.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know Your Supermarkets: Farmers’ markets thrive throughout Virginia, showcasing locally grown produce, artisanal products, and handcrafted goods. Cities like Richmond, Charlottesville, and Norfolk have popular farmers’ markets that operate year-round, providing residents with access to fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Virginia also offers a range of supermarkets, including affordable chain stores like Kroger and Walmart, as well as higher-end options like Whole Foods Market.
Find Cheap Eats: Virginia has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Virginia Alcohol Costs

Virginia, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.50
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.75
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.30
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $9.70

How To Drink For Less in Virginia

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Virginia Beach for Happy Hour information.

5. Virginia Transportation Fares

Public transport in Virginia is primarily centred around major cities and metropolitan areas. The state has a comprehensive network of buses, commuter trains, and light rail systems in cities like Richmond, Northern Virginia, and Hampton Roads. However, public transportation options may be more limited in rural areas, and private vehicles are often the preferred mode of transportation for residents.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.75
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $27.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. Virginia likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Virginia

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from mid-2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Virginia varies by region, but in general, it ranges from approximately 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 65°F). The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F), while the hottest month is July, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F). The wettest month varies, but generally, the late spring and early summer months, such as May or June, see increased rainfall.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $36.00
Summer Dress: $40.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $80.00
Business Shoes: $120.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $3.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $5.00
Gym Membership: $50.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $13.50

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Virginia

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Virginia. If you’re moving to Virginia from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Virginia:

Volkswagen Golf: $22,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.88

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Virginia

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Virginia

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

Virginia has a state sales tax rate of 5.3%. However, it’s important to note that local taxes may also apply, and certain items, such as groceries and prescription medications, are exempt from sales tax.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Virginia at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Virginia you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Virginia

If you do make the move to Virginia, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $285
New York: $80
Los Angeles: $90
Toronto: $120
Vancouver: $195
Dubai: $750
Sydney: $1,500
Melbourne: $700
Cape Town: $1,100
Hong Kong: $1,100

Other Tips on Moving to Virginia

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Virginia but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Virginia Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Virginia.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Virginia always has something going on. Have a look at Virginia.org.

12. Moving to Virginia with a Family

Virginia is generally considered a family-friendly location, with excellent schools, a range of recreational activities, and a sense of community. The state offers numerous family-oriented attractions, including historical sites, theme parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The crime rate in Virginia varies by region, with some areas experiencing higher crime rates than others.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Virginia Health.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Northern Virginia, including areas such as Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County, is often considered one of the most family-friendly areas to live in Virginia. Other family-oriented communities in the state include Richmond’s suburbs, Charlottesville, and Roanoke, which offer a combination of good schools, safe neighbourhoods, and family-friendly amenities.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Virginia. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Virginia.org.

13. Moving to Virginia for Work

While it is possible to move to Virginia without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Virginia’s main industries include government, defence and military, healthcare, technology, agriculture, and tourism. Virginia has an unemployment rate of around 4.3%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Virginia, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Virginia.org, Monster, Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Virginia from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Virginia, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Halving the state of Victoria gives you a similar size to Virginia.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Virginia that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Virginia from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Virginia. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Nova Scotia is slightly larger than Virginia.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Virginia from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Virginia. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Virginia is around half the size of the United Kingdom.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Virginia, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Virginia you can start by comparing moving quotes here.