Virginia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Winchester city, VA

The median household in Winchester city, VA earns $63,974 a year ($5,331/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,573/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $62,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.5% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$63,974$5,331 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,573HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)96.5-3.5% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate17.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential VA
Census Population27,913Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,573Monthly market rent
Share of gross income29.5%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$62,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,599At 30% of $63,974
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Winchester city, VA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Winchester, VA-WV MSA. 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 Winchester city, VA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,133$13,596$45,32021.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,255$15,060$50,20023.5%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,573$18,876$62,92029.5%
3-Bedroom Home$1,965$23,580$78,60036.9%
4-Bedroom Home$2,639$31,668$105,56049.5%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Winchester city, VA →

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

Based on the local median household income of $63,974/year ($5,331/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,666/moRent ($1,573 2-BR), utilities (~$155/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,599/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 96.5 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,066/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.

$63,974
$25,000$130,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$63,974
Net 79%
Fed 9%
VA 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$50,719After all taxes
Monthly deposit$4,227Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,951Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate20.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$5,497 / yr
Virginia state income tax$2,864 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,894 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Winchester city, VA

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Winchester city, VA is $63,974 per year (approximately $5,331 per month).

What is the average rent in Winchester city, VA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Winchester city, VA are $1,133 for a studio, $1,255 for 1 bedroom, $1,573 for 2 bedrooms, $1,965 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,639 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Winchester city, VA is 96.5 (3.5% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

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

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,573/month) in Winchester city, VA requires a minimum gross household income of $62,920 per year ($5,243 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $63,974/year ($5,331/month) in Winchester city, VA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,666/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,599/month to discretionary spending, and $1,066/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Winchester 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.