Charlottesville, VA, US
Home of the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello with a vibrant downtown.
Overview
Charlottesville is a city in VA with a population of 48,000. Home of the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello with a vibrant downtown. Housing is notably more expensive than the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 32.9.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Charlottesville vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $65,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 48,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 215/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 30°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $500,000
- 1BR Rent: $1600/mo
Cost of Living
Charlottesville's cost of living index is 115 (US average = 100).
| Category | Charlottesville | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
| Housing | 130 | 100 | +30.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $500,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $2,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $333 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Charlottesville:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $96 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $70 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $1 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $55 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $75 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $322 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Charlottesville scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Charlottesville has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50°F | 30°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 45°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 48°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Charlottesville faces the following natural hazards:
Coastal and river flooding.
Extreme summer heat.
Appalachian region with landslides.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Tornado risk.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.75%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~0.87% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Charlottesville is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Charlottesville, VA, US?
The cost of living index in Charlottesville is 115, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Charlottesville?
The median home price in Charlottesville is $500,000. The housing index is 130.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Charlottesville is approximately $1600/mo.
Does Charlottesville, VA have income tax?
Charlottesville is in VA, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.
What is the climate like in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 30°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.