Everywhere in Virginia is accessible and welcoming to everyone, from a local looking to move to a cheaper place in the state to an out-of-state resident looking to transition to a new workplace here. Virginia, named after the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I, is rich in history, so much so that it’s often referred to as the “birthplace of a nation.” Not only is The Old Dominion a great spot for history buffs, but it also offers appeal to young renters. We’ve created a handy guide for the cheapest places to live in Virginia so read on to see the most affordable places to live in this historical state.
Bluefield
Situated on the border with West Virginia, Bluefield is one of the most affordable places to live in Virginia. It’s perfect for those who love the “small town” feel — as opposed to life in large cities — and has a median household income of $45,625. This town is home to Bluefield College, which boasts an array of sports teams including baseball, football, and soccer. Renting an apartment in Bluefield is incredibly cheap. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for as little as $595 per month and a two-bedroom apartment for $695 per month.
Newport News
On the other end of the spectrum is Newport News, a vibrant coastal city in Virginia Beach with around 183,000 residents. There’s so much to see and do here, including a trip to the Virginia War Museum and the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. Being a coastal city, Newport News has a beach, on the James River, where you can enjoy different activities. Newport News is also one of the cheapest places to live in Virginia, offering plenty of apartments to suit a range of needs and preferences.
One-bedroom apartments go for as low as $600 per month, while two-bedroom apartments are available for as little as $900 per month. What’s more, the median household income in Newport is $53,215.
Roanoke
Roanoke is the biggest city in Southwest Virginia and one of the cheapest cities to live in in the state. It has a bustling population of almost 100,000 residents and offers lots of attractions and adventures. History buffs can make the most of the History Museum of Western Virginia, while music lovers can look forward to the variety of music festivals here each year.
The median household income in Roanoke is $51,828, and accommodation here is budget-friendly. You can get a one-bedroom apartment for as little as $795 per month and a two-bedroom unit for around $900 per month.
Lynchburg
Known as the “City of Seven Hills,” Lynchburg is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River. This city of 80,000 residents is often considered to be the cultural hub of Central Virginia. Lynchburg is home to several colleges and universities, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Renaissance Theatre. It’s also one of the most affordable places in Virginia. Renters can find one-bedroom apartments for as low as $712 per month and two-bedroom apartments for around $850 per month. The median household income here is $54,491.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is perfect for anyone who loves living around the coasts. Not only does it offer life on the seashore but also some of the lowest costs of living in Virginia. Its 95,000 residents enjoy an eclectic food scene, a collection of quirky shops, and an impressive waterfront. Portsmouth has a median household income of $48,727 and cheap rents. Renters can expect a one-bedroom apartment here for as cheap as $700 per month. You can also rent a two-bedroom apartment for as low as $800 per month.
Hampton
Hampton is an interesting city for history enthusiasts to live in for a number of reasons. It is America’s first English-speaking settlement and the first place in the country to offer free public education. Besides being a city of firsts, Hampton offers a thriving live music scene, stunning waterfront, and rich culture.
Hampton has a median household income of $54,550 and is also one of the cheapest places to live in Virginia. A one-bedroom apartment here sometimes goes for as cheap as $750 per month. Renters can find a two-bedroom apartment for as low as $850 per month.
Suffolk
Suffolk, roughly a half-hour drive from Hampton, is another affordable Virginian city. This 90,000-resident city has plenty of outdoor attractions, which makes it a great place to live for young renters looking to move to Virginia. Suffolk has a median household income of $70,664 and a range of cheap apartments. Renters can find a one-bedroom apartment here for as low as $800 per month and a two-bedroom apartment for as little as $1,050 per month.
Dale City
Dale City is situated in Prince William County, around 25 miles to the southwest of Washington D.C. Thanks to its proximity and affordable accommodation, it’s an ideal area for young professionals to commute to work in the big city. A one-bedroom apartment here goes for $1,100 per month and a two-bedroom apartment for $1500. Dale City is a little pricier than the cities listed above, but this is likely due to its location near Washington D.C, which itself has a high cost of living.
Virginia has some vibrant cities that residents can call home, and these affordable options are just a few Whichever one you decide on, browse apartments and houses for rent on Zumper to find your perfect home.
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