Virginia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Covington city, VA

The median household in Covington city, VA earns $41,944 a year ($3,495/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $914/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $36,560 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 1.1% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$41,944$3,495 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$914HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)101.1+1.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate17.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential VA
Census Population5,680Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Covington city, VA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$914Monthly market rent
Share of gross income26.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$36,560To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,049At 30% of $41,944
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Covington city, VA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA HUD Nonmet. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Covington city, VA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$773$9,276$30,92022.1%
1-Bedroom Apartment$778$9,336$31,12022.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$914$10,968$36,56026.1%
3-Bedroom Home$1,259$15,108$50,36036%
4-Bedroom Home$1,358$16,296$54,32038.9%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Covington city, VA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Covington city, VA

Based on the local median household income of $41,944/year ($3,495/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,748/moRent ($914 2-BR), utilities (~$155/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,049/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 101.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$699/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Virginia

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Virginia state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$41,944
$15,000$85,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$41,944
Net 82%
Fed 7%
VA 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$34,284After all taxes
Monthly deposit$2,857Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,319Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18.3%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$2,853 / yr
Virginia state income tax$1,598 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,209 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Virginia with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Covington city, VA

What is the median household income in Covington city, VA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Covington city, VA is $41,944 per year (approximately $3,495 per month).

What is the average rent in Covington city, VA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Covington city, VA are $773 for a studio, $778 for 1 bedroom, $914 for 2 bedrooms, $1,259 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,358 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Covington city, VA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Covington city, VA is 101.1 (1.1% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Covington city, VA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($914/month) in Covington city, VA requires a minimum gross household income of $36,560 per year ($3,047 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Covington city, VA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $41,944/year ($3,495/month) in Covington city, VA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,748/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,049/month to discretionary spending, and $699/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Covington city, VA?

Residential electricity rates in Virginia average 17.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $155 per month.