Cost of Living
Cost of Living
Work where you play and live where you want.
Ever wonder what it’s like to live close to the places where you love to play? In the Northern Shenandoah Valley, you don’t have to choose between career and quality of life—you can have both. Whether you’re looking for more space, more time, or more peace of mind, this is the kind of place where you can truly trade up. Housing costs are significantly lower here than in Washington, DC or Northern Virginia, with average home prices and property taxes well below metropolitan rates. Everyday expenses, from groceries to utilities, are more affordable thanks to fewer urban markups. Even commuting costs can be reduced, with less congestion, shorter drives, and convenient access to regional transportation options.
We’re big on options.
Dreaming of a house with a yard and a picket fence? You’ll find plenty of charming towns and neighborhoods across the region to call home. Prefer the flexibility of apartment living? We’ve got that too—plus everything in between. Rents are often lower than nearby urban centers, and your commute is likely to be shorter and far less stressful.
Instead of renting in one of the nation’s most expensive markets, you could be buying a home with a real backyard (housing costs are nearly 60% lower than D.C. and one-bedroom apartments range from $600-$1,500/month).
For growing families, the NSV offers a strong mix of public and private schools—and when it’s time for college, living in Virginia means access to in-state tuition at respected institutions like UVA, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, and the Virginia Community College System.
Your Money Goes Farther Here
In the Northern Shenandoah Valley, the cost of living is lower—but your career doesn’t have to take a hit. Salaries in the region are competitive with most areas of the country, meaning the same job can put more money in your bank account each month thanks to lower expenses.
Want to See the Difference for Yourself?
Use our Cost-of-Living Calculator to compare your current location to the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Just enter your current salary and city, then select VA-WV Winchester as your destination. The tool will show you what it takes to maintain your lifestyle—and how much more you could save by living here.
What Locals Say…
My mortgage is less than what I was paying for a two-bedroom apartment in D.C.
Living in the Northern Shenandoah Valley means I can actually afford the life I always wanted without sacrificing my career or my weekends.