Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$63,974$5,331 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Winchester, VA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Winchester, 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.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,133 | $13,596 | $45,320 | 21.3% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,255 | $15,060 | $50,200 | 23.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,573 | $18,876 | $62,920 | 29.5% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,965 | $23,580 | $78,600 | 36.9% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,639 | $31,668 | $105,560 | 49.5% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Winchester, VA
Based on the local median household income of $63,974/year ($5,331/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Virginia with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Winchester, VA
What is the median household income in Winchester, VA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Winchester, VA is $63,974 per year (approximately $5,331 per month).
What is the average rent in Winchester, VA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Winchester, 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, VA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Winchester, 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, VA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,573/month) in Winchester, 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, VA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $63,974/year ($5,331/month) in Winchester, 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, 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.