Planning to move to Virginia in 2025? As a student, understanding the cost of living in Virginia is important, so you can plan your budget wisely. This blog will guide you through the main expenses you’ll face as a student in Virginia. Whether you need help finding affordable housing, budgeting for meals, or planning how much you’ll spend on travel, we’re here to help. Let’s get started.
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What is the Cost of Living in Virginia?
According to WalletHub, Virginia is one of the best states to live in the United States. When it comes to Virginia, the cost of living can vary depending on where you choose to live. From the beautiful mountains to the busy cities, Virginia offers different living options for every lifestyle. The cost of living in Virginia is generally moderate, but it can vary significantly based on the area.
On average, a single person spends about USD 1,120 per month on basic expenses like food, transportation, and utilities, not including rent. Bigger cities like Northern Virginia or Richmond are usually more expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas offer lower costs. Check out the table below for a detailed breakdown of other living expenses.
| Category | Approx Monthly Cost in USD |
| Total with rent | 2,000 |
| Without rent | 1,120 |
| Utilities | 163 |
| Food and Grocery | 612 |
| Transport | 89 |
Average Tuition Fees in Virginia
Along with the cost of living in Virginia, understanding the average tuition fees at universities can be tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The average tuition fee at the University of Virginia is around USD 58,950. You can find more details about tuition fees for different programs and universities in the table below:
| Name of University | Approx Tuition fees per year |
| University of Virginia | USD 58,950 |
| Virginia Tech | USD 36,090 |
| William & Mary | USD 48,841 |
| George Mason University | USD 37,976 |
| James Madison University | USD 30,790 |
Housing Costs in Virginia
As a student, finding affordable housing is a top priority. When considering the cost of living in Virginia, it’s important to keep in mind that the average rent prices vary depending on the location and type of housing.
In cities like Richmond or Arlington, rents tend to be higher, especially for apartments near the city centre or university campuses. Based on Numbeo data, the following table compares rental prices within and outside the city centre:
| Apartment Location | Approx Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | 1,564.32 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 1,424.60 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 2,538.78 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | 2,259.18 |
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Utility Costs in Virginia
In Virginia, basic utilities like electricity, water, heating, and garbage usually cost between USD 150 to USD 200 per month. Internet services typically range from USD 50 to USD 100. These costs can vary depending on where you live and the size of your home. Below is the table showing the average utility costs:
| Apartment Location | Approx Monthly Cost (USD) |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | 163.21 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 50.91 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | 69.32 |
Cost of Groceries & Food
As a student, food is a key part of your budget. The cost of living in Virginia affects how much you spend on food. On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around USD 20, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about USD 90.
However, cooking at home is a more affordable option that allows you to save money and enjoy healthy meals. To help you plan your grocery budget, we’ve provided a list of common grocery items and their prices in Virginia.
| Grocery Items | Approx Cost in USD |
| Milk (regular), (1 litre) | 0.91 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 3.22 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 3.65 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 3.30 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 9.11 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 13.22 |
| Apples (1kg) | 5.40 |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.16 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 4.06 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 4.39 |
| Potato (1kg) | 2.98 |
| Onion (1kg) | 2.87 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 1.80 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 2.14 |
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Transportation Costs
As a student in Virginia, getting around is a daily necessity, whether it’s commuting to class, part-time work, or exploring the area. The good news is that transportation costs are generally affordable.
According to data from the Numbeo website, the prices for various transportation options in Virginia can vary depending on your location and mode of travel. You can find a detailed breakdown of these costs in the table below.
| Category | Approx Monthly Cost (USD) |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 1.50 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 60 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 2 |
| Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | 23 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 0.88 |
Miscellaneous Costs
Living in Virginia as a student isn’t just about paying for the essentials like rent and groceries—you’ll also want to have fun and enjoy your time there! You can explore beautiful parks in the USA for your recreational activities or enjoy the local restaurants and other attractions. Here’s a breakdown of some entertainment and fun expenses you might want to plan for:
| Miscellaneous Items | Approx Cost (USD) |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | 59.72 |
| Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) | 20.00 |
| Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | 15.00 |
| Branded Jeans | 48.32 |
| Branded Dress | 35.09 |
| Branded Shoes | 80.82 |
Living in Virginia as a student is exciting, but managing your budget is important. With careful planning, you can enjoy everything the state has to offer without spending too much. From exploring nature to attending events and trying local food, there’s so much to do. Sticking to a budget helps you enjoy your time without worrying about money.
We hope you enjoyed reading our blog on the Cost of Living in Virginia. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal student accommodation abroad with ease.
FAQs
The cost of living for international students in Virginia can vary depending on the location and lifestyle. On average, students can expect to spend around USD 1,120 per month on basic expenses. This includes costs for food, transportation, utilities, and other essentials.
The living expenses for international students in the USA can range from USD 1,200 to USD 2,500 per month, depending on the city, accommodation, and lifestyle. Rent is typically the largest expense, followed by food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses.
For Indian students, the cost of living in the USA is similar to that of other international students. The average monthly expenses, excluding rent, are typically around USD 1,000 to USD 1,500. Major expenses include rent, food, transportation, and utilities.
Virginia and Florida have similar costs of living, but Florida is generally considered more affordable in terms of housing and utilities. In Virginia, cities like Arlington and Northern Virginia are more expensive compared to Florida’s cities like Orlando and Tampa.
California has a higher cost of living than Virginia, with rent in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles being much more expensive. Utilities, food, and transportation costs are also higher, making California 20-30% more expensive.
Virginia has a moderate cost of living, with cities like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Arlington being more expensive. Smaller towns and rural areas offer lower costs, making it more affordable for students.
To live comfortably in Virginia, you would need around USD 2,500 to USD 3,000 per month, including rent, food, utilities, transportation, and other personal expenses. This amount may vary based on your lifestyle and location within Virginia.
Yes, Virginia is generally cheaper than New York, particularly when it comes to rent and daily expenses. New York City has one of the highest living costs in the country, while Virginia, though more expensive than some states, remains more affordable in comparison.
It is typically cheaper to live in Virginia than in California. California’s major cities, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, are known for their high rent and overall living costs.
Virginia’s wealth is due to its diverse economy, strong industries, and proximity to Washington, D.C. The state has a mix of agriculture, technology, education, and government-related jobs that contribute to its wealth.
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