Cheapest Places to Live in Virginia (2026)
Looking for the most affordable cities in Virginia? We ranked 30 Virginia cities by median home value. The cheapest is Covington (~$135,000); the Virginia median is $336,500.
Most affordable cities in Virginia
Ranked by median home value, lowest first:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Covington | $135,000 | $71 |
| 2 | Lynchburg | $235,000 | $172 |
| 3 | Bremo Bluff | $254,000 | $224 |
| 4 | Portsmouth | $254,000 | $193 |
| 5 | Roanoke | $281,000 | $182 |
| 6 | Hampton | $286,000 | $196 |
| 7 | Newport News | $293,000 | $191 |
| 8 | Norfolk | $318,000 | $215 |
| 9 | Richmond | $367,000 | $230 |
| 10 | Gloucester | $369,000 | $188 |
Most expensive cities in Virginia
The priciest Virginia markets by median home value:
| # | City | Median home value | $ / sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vienna | $1,102,000 | $421 |
| 2 | Fairfax | $778,000 | $370 |
| 3 | Falls Church | $729,000 | $389 |
| 4 | Arlington | $727,000 | $481 |
| 5 | Springfield | $687,500 | $343 |
| 6 | Alexandria | $661,000 | $395 |
| 7 | Sterling | $616,000 | $311 |
| 8 | Reston | $610,000 | $358 |
| 9 | Charlottesville | $519,000 | $271 |
| 10 | Manassas | $510,000 | $262 |
How we rank Virginia cities
Rankings use the typical (median) home value for each city from public market data (Realtor.com & Zillow research). Affordability also depends on incomes, taxes, and cost of living — see each city page for local detail. Directional estimates, not appraisals.
Explore all Virginia home values, estimate any home with the Home Value Estimator, or see where your budget goes furthest nationwide.
Virginia affordability: FAQ
What is the cheapest place to live in Virginia? +
Based on median home value, Covington is among the most affordable cities in Virginia, with a typical home around $135,000 — well below the Virginia median of $336,500.
What is the most expensive city in Virginia? +
By median home value, Vienna is among the priciest in Virginia, with a typical home around $1,102,000.
Is Virginia an affordable place to live? +
The median home value in Virginia is about $336,500 (16% more expensive than the U.S. median of $289,000), but prices vary widely by city — from around $135,000 to $1,102,000.