Virginia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Roanoke County, VA

The median household in Roanoke County, VA earns $83,709 a year ($6,976/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,254/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $50,160 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 6.4% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$83,709$6,976 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,254HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)93.6-6.4% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate17.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential VA
Census Population97,023Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Roanoke County, VA

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,254Monthly market rent
Share of gross income18%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$50,160To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,093At 30% of $83,709
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Roanoke County, VA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Roanoke, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 Roanoke County, VA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,004$12,048$40,16014.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,053$12,636$42,12015.1%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,254$15,048$50,16018%
3-Bedroom Home$1,743$20,916$69,72025%
4-Bedroom Home$2,104$25,248$84,16030.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Roanoke County, VA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Roanoke County, VA

Based on the local median household income of $83,709/year ($6,976/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,488/moRent ($1,254 2-BR), utilities (~$155/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,093/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 93.6 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,395/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.

$83,709
$30,000$170,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$83,709
Net 76%
Fed 11%
VA 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$63,720After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,310Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,451Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate23.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$9,586 / yr
Virginia state income tax$3,999 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,404 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Roanoke County, VA

What is the median household income in Roanoke County, VA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Roanoke County, VA is $83,709 per year (approximately $6,976 per month).

What is the average rent in Roanoke County, VA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Roanoke County, VA are $1,004 for a studio, $1,053 for 1 bedroom, $1,254 for 2 bedrooms, $1,743 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,104 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Roanoke County, VA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Roanoke County, VA is 93.6 (6.4% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Roanoke County, VA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,254/month) in Roanoke County, VA requires a minimum gross household income of $50,160 per year ($4,180 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Roanoke County, VA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $83,709/year ($6,976/month) in Roanoke County, VA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,488/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,093/month to discretionary spending, and $1,395/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Roanoke County, 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.