By Timothy Moore

A 618 credit score is not considered good, per the traditional FICO® scoring model, which is used by 90% of lenders in the U.S. Instead, FICO labels a 618 credit score as fair — one step below good and notably below the average credit score of U.S. consumers, which is currently 715. VantageScore, another credit scoring model, considers a 618 score to be near prime but still not a good credit score.

However, with a 618 credit score, you should still be able to qualify for a wide range of loan products, including car loans and some mortgages and personal loans. And responsibly managing such loans can help you build your credit score over time and obtain more access to credit at more favorable terms.

What Does a 618 Credit Score Mean?

The standard credit score ranges run from 300 to 850 in both the FICO and VantageScore models. The higher your number, the more likely you are to be approved for loans and at better terms, meaning, among other things, lower interest rates and higher limits. Here’s what FICO credit ratings look like:

•   Poor credit: 300-579

•   Fair credit: 580-669

•   Good credit: 670-739

•   Very good credit: 740-799

•   Exceptional (or excellent) credit: 800-850

FICO’s credit scoring model is based on five credit score factors, some of which have a larger impact on your score than others:

•   On-time payment history (35%)

•   How much available credit you use (30%)

•   Length of your credit history (15%)

•   Credit mix (10%), meaning responsibly handing different forms of credit, such as installment loans and lines of credit

•   How much new credit you’ve recently applied for (10%); too many applications in a short period of time can negatively impact your score

With that understanding, what does a 618 credit score mean? A 618 credit score indicates to lenders that you aren’t an ideal borrower, based on one or more of these factors. For instance, you may have limited credit history, you might have fallen behind on your rent, you could have applied for too many personal loans recently, or you may regularly max out your credit cards.

That said, a 618 credit score is considered fair by FICO’s standards and signals to lenders that they could still potentially lend to you — but perhaps at a higher interest rate and with some fees, as a precaution.

Also worth noting: It’s not just lenders that look at your credit score. Often, potential landlords, employers, and insurers will review your credit score before moving forward with your application. That’s why it’s important to work hard to improve your credit score over time.

What Can You Get With a 618 Credit Score?

While a 618 credit score is in the fair range, you’ll still be able to qualify for some types of loans. Here’s a closer look at what you can (and can’t) qualify for with a 618 FICO score.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 618 Credit Score?

Yes, you can likely get a credit card with a 618 credit score. While there’s no universal minimum credit score to get a credit card, many credit card issuers require fair credit or better. That said, even people with poor credit or no credit at all can qualify for some credit cards. A lower credit score simply means fewer options and higher interest rates.

With a 618 credit score, you can qualify for unsecured credit cards, but expect to pay higher rates and fees. You probably won’t qualify for rewards credit cards that earn cash back, points, or miles.

Responsibly managing your credit card — using only a small portion of the credit available, and paying it off every month — can be a good way to build your credit score. In time, you may move from fair credit to good or even excellent credit, and then you’ll be able to qualify for rewards credit cards and lower interest rates.

When making approval decisions, credit card issuers may use the specialized FICO Bankcard Score, which is more industry-specific. Though this score ranges from 250 to 900, the two scoring models are similar; a fair standard credit score usually translates to a fair Bankcard Score.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 618 Credit Score?

You should be able to get an auto loan with a 618 credit score. In fact, there’s really no set minimum credit score for an auto loan. Even people with poor credit can sometimes get a car loan, though they may only be approved for a small amount and at a higher interest rate.

For example, with a 618 credit score, you would likely qualify for a new car auto loan with a 9.73% average annual percentage rate (APR), as of the third quarter of 2024. With a higher score of 661 to 780, that rate would drop to 6.70%.

Much like with credit cards, many auto financers use an industry-specific version of your FICO Score when making a lending decision. Instead of the standard score, they’ll use your FICO Auto Score, which ranges from 250 to 900. That said, a fair FICO Score (such as 618) usually indicates a fair FICO Auto Score.

While you might not get the best interest rates on your auto loan with a 618 score, you can use a car loan as an opportunity to improve your credit. Make on-time payments during the course of the auto loan, and you can expect your credit score to start to improve.

Recommended: Average Car Loan Interest Rate by Credit Score

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 618 Credit Score?

Though a 620 is generally considered the credit score needed to buy a house, it’s still possible to get a mortgage with a 618 credit score. That said, it wouldn’t hurt to wait a few months to buy a home so you can focus on building your score by just a few points and open up more borrowing options (and potentially lower mortgage rates).

So, what mortgage options are available if you have a 618 credit score? While you may not qualify for a VA loan (there’s typically a 620 credit score requirement) or a USDA loan (also usually a 620 credit score requirement), you will likely be able to qualify for an FHA loan. These loans require a 580 credit score, though you can get approved with a score as low as 500 if you’re able to make a 10% down payment on the home.

Otherwise, you might consider building your credit score before applying for a conventional loan. You can take such steps as always making debt payments on time and working to lower your credit utilization, among other moves.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 618 Credit Score?

You should be able to qualify for a personal loan with a 618 credit score. Credit score requirements for personal loans vary by lender, but a common requirement among popular lenders is 610. It’s important to recognize, though, that while even borrowers with poor credit or limited credit history can qualify for some types of personal loans, it’s usually with a high interest rate, high fees, collateral, and/or a cosigner.

As with other loans, lenders will consider more than your credit score when making a personal loan decision. For instance, lenders will consider your employment status and debt-to-income ratio. With a 618 credit score and a low enough debt-to-income ratio, you should be able to qualify for a personal loan with some lenders, but don’t expect to qualify for the largest loan amounts or lowest interest rates and fees.

Once obtained, a personal loan can be used for an array of purposes, such as:

•   Medical, dental, or car repair bills

•   Travel expenses, including honeymoon costs

•   Credit card debt consolidation

Recommended: Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

The Takeaway

A 618 credit score is considered fair, according to the FICO credit scoring model. With this score, you should be able to qualify for many popular types of credit, including personal loans, credit cards, car loans, and some mortgages. That said, your lender options may be more limited, and you can expect to pay higher rates and fees, with less flexible loan amounts and repayment terms. Review your options carefully to find the best fit for your needs and situation.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Kim Franke-Folstad

A 683 credit score is considered good. It falls into the good range using both the FICO® and VantageScore® credit scoring models. You will likely be able to qualify for installment loans (such as a mortgage) and lines of credit (a new credit card).

That said, it does fall below the current U.S. average of 715, and there’s room for building your score to reach the very good or excellent categories. The higher your score, the more likely lenders are to offer you the most favorable interest rates and terms. Learn more about what you can expect with a 683 credit score.

What Does a 683 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score generally must be near or slightly above the average for U.S. consumers to be categorized as good (as noted above, the current average is 715). Using the popular FICO® scoring model, that’s anywhere from 670 to 739. With a 683, you’re in that range, but closer to the bottom than the top. You still have a way to go before moving into the very good range (740 to 799) or the exceptional range (800-plus).

Here’s the FICO scale

•   Exceptional (or excellent) credit: 800-850

•   Very good credit: 740-799

•   Good credit: 670-739

•   Fair credit: 580-669

•   Poor credit: 300-579

What Can You Get with a 683 Credit Score?

It’s important to note that it’s up to individual lenders to decide how they will assess credit scores. They have multiple scoring models to choose from, including some that are industry-specific (for auto loans, mortgages, etc.).

Lenders look at more than credit scores when making their decisions. If you have other factors working for you (a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, stable employment and a good income, cash in the bank or other assets), they’ll usually take that into consideration.

With that in mind, here’s what you may be eligible for with a 683 credit score.

Recommended: Personal Loan Glossary

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 683 Credit Score?

A 683 credit score should be good enough for you to qualify for an unsecured credit card vs. a secured credit card (which requires some type of collateral). But you may not be approved for a luxury or premium card, the lowest annual percentage rate (APR), the highest credit limit, or certain rewards or privileges.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 683 Credit Score?

The minimum credit score required to get a car loan varies from one lender to the next. And lenders may use an industry-specific scoring model for auto loans that works a little differently than your basic credit score. But as with most types of borrowing, the higher your score, the more likely you are to receive better financing terms.

With a 683 credit score, you can expect to get an average APR that’s at least one or two points higher than what car buyers with scores in the next highest range are paying. For instance, when evaluating new car loans, Experian found that in the third quarter of 2024, the average APR, or annual percentage rate, for those with a credit score between 661 and 780 was 6.70% while those with a score over 780 would be assessed an average rate of 5.08%.

By the way, if you’re wondering if it makes more sense to buy a new or used car, there are pros and cons to both. It may seem counterintuitive, but it actually can be easier to get financing for a new car. Of course, a used car may have a much lower price, which can be easier on your budget.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 683 Credit Score?

Eligibility requirements can vary with different types of mortgages, and individual lenders may have their own criteria. But here are some credit score basics to consider:

•   If you’re applying for a conventional mortgage loan, you typically will need a credit score of at least 620. With a 683 credit score, you’re likely to be approved, but you probably won’t be offered the best interest rates and other terms available.

•   Although the Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t set a minimum credit score requirement for VA loan borrowers, lenders typically like to see at least a 620. And you may get a lower interest rate with your 683 credit score.

•   Considering a government-insured FHA loan? Borrowers with a credit score as low as 500 can qualify. But if your credit score is 580 or higher, you may be able to make a down payment that’s as low as 3.5%.

•   There isn’t a firm credit score requirement for government-backed USDA loans. However, you are more likely to be approved if your score is 620 or higher.

Though a 683 credit score should be high enough to qualify for any of these mortgage loan types, you may want to talk to a mortgage professional about how various costs might affect your monthly payments and which option might be right for you.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 683 Credit Score?

Unless lenders see some potential red flags on your application, a 683 credit score should be high enough to help you qualify for unsecured personal loans.

Once approved, you can use the funds from a personal loan for almost any purpose you can think of, from paying for a vacation to financing family planning (like the cost of IVF).

Your interest rate probably won’t be as low as what borrowers in the very good and exceptional ranges are offered. And you may have to settle for a lower loan amount. Still, personal loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards, which can make them a good choice for larger expenses. And you may find it makes sense to use a credit card consolidation loan to simplify your finances. Knowing you’ll have one fixed payment to make every month can help you stay on track with your budget.

Wondering how a personal loan might compare to other financing options? A personal loan calculator can help you determine how much your monthly payments might be. You also can calculate how much you could save by using a personal loan to pay off any existing high-interest debt that’s getting in the way of your goals.

Recommended: What Are Personal Loans Used For?

The Takeaway

A 683 credit score is generally considered to be in the good range, and it’s the category most Americans fall into. Lenders are likely to treat you as a creditworthy candidate when you apply for financing, meaning you will probably have options to choose from. You may however pay a higher interest rate than you would if you had a credit score in the very good or exceptional range. It can be worthwhile to carefully consider various options when applying for credit, whether it’s a new credit card or a personal loan, to find the right fit and the best deal.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Kevin Brouillard

YA 565 credit score is not good. According to FICO® (the most popular credit scoring model), a 565 credit score is considered “poor” and below the average of U.S. consumers. Borrowers with this credit score could have a difficult time qualifying for new loans and might not receive very favorable terms if approved.

Here’s what a 565 credit score means in practice when it comes to getting a credit card, mortgage, and other types of financing.

What Does a 565 Credit Score Mean?

A credit score is a three digit number that shows a borrower’s ability to repay debt and stay current on payments. Lenders use these scores to assess the risk of lending money and make decisions about loan approval, interest rates, and credit limits.

FICO Score is the most widely used credit scoring model in the U.S. On this scale, scores range from 300 to 850. The higher your credit score, the more creditworthy you’re considered by lenders.

Here’s a breakdown of FICO Score ratings and ranges:

•   Poor credit: 300-579

•   Fair credit: 580-669

•   Good credit: 670-739

•   Very Good credit: 740-799

•   Exceptional (or exellent) credit: 800-850

So is a 565 credit score good or bad? A 565 credit score falls within the “poor” credit range, which accounts for about 13% of American consumers. For comparison, the average FICO Score in the U.S. was 715 in 2024, and around 71% of Americans have a “good” score or better.

Your credit score is based on a number of factors, including payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit. A credit score of 565 could indicate a limited credit history, delinquency on payments, or other financial problems.

Note that a 565 credit score is just below the range for a “fair” credit score. This means that borrowers could implement some strategies to build credit and improve their chance of qualifying for financing and more competitive terms.

While borrowers with poor credit may face challenges qualifying for financing, it’ll ultimately depend on the lender’s credit requirements and how they evaluate other financial information.

What Else Can You Get with a 565 Credit Score?

If you have a 565 credit score, your options for a credit card or loan may be more limited than a borrower with fair or good credit. Instead, lenders may offer what are known as subprime loans, which typically carry higher interest rates, additional fees, and lower borrowing limits. Borrowers may also need to put down collateral to qualify and secure financing, depending on the lender.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 565 Credit Score?

Borrowers with poor credit may have difficulty getting approved for a credit card. The cards you are offered may have high interest rates and low credit limits. Typically, you need a fair score to begin to access better deals on credit cards. If you can build your score higher, you might begin to qualify for rewards credit cards.

If you’ve been rejected on a standard credit card application, you may want to look into a secured credit card.

A secured credit card requires collateral in the form of a security deposit — usually a minimum of several hundred dollars — to reduce the risk of default for the credit card issuer. The security deposit is refundable and typically equivalent to the credit limit.

Keep in mind that secured cards generally carry higher interest rates, so paying the balance in full each month can help avoid hefty interest charges. Additionally, secured cards may be subject to a variety of fees, so it’s worth comparing multiple credit card options. That said, a secured credit card, when managed well, can help you qualify for a traditional credit card.

To help build your credit score, there are several steps you can take.

•  It’s recommended to maintain a credit utilization ratio at or below 30%. Your credit utilization is the portion of your revolving credit limit, such as credit cards, that you’re using. If your credit limit is capped at $400, this means keeping a balance below $120. Thus, you might consider making a larger deposit to have some greater flexibility and wiggle room in spending.

•  Another way to positively impact your credit is to always pay bills on time. That’s the single biggest contributor to your credit score.

•  Aim for a mix of credit products, such as a line of credit and an installment loan.

•  Know that a longer credit history helps build your score. That means it’s wise to keep older accounts open, using them occasionally.

•  Avoid too many requests for credit in a short period of time. That can negatively impact your credit.

Recommended: Breaking Down the Different Types of Credit Cards

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 565 Credit Score?

With a 565 credit score, car loan options will likely be limited to subprime loans. This means that you can expect to pay a higher interest rate than borrowers with stronger credit. For example,the average auto loan interest rate for new cars for subprime borrowers (with a score of 501-600) was 13.00% in the 3rd quarter of 2024, compared to 6.70% for those with credit scores between 661 and 780.

While some lenders may not work with borrowers with poor credit, many car dealers can help you explore options for those with lower credit scores. This could make a 565 credit score car loan possible. Having a trade-in vehicle or funds for a down payment could improve your chances of qualifying and secure better terms on an auto loan.

With any auto loan, it’s important to review the terms and how the monthly payment fits in your budget before committing.

Recommended: Personal Loans vs. Car Loans: What’s the Difference?

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 565 Credit Score?

Yes, you can get a mortgage with a 565 credit score. However, you won’t meet credit requirements to qualify for certain types of home mortgage loans. For example, you won’t meet the criteria for a conventional home loan. These typically require a score of 620 or higher. However, you may access these mortgages:

•  Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, which are backed by the government and reserved for first-time homebuyers, are available to borrowers with a credit score of 500 or higher. If your credit score falls between 500 and 579, however, you’ll need to make a down payment of 10%.

  FHA loans require only a 3.5% down payment for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. So if you’re in the market for a house with a 565 credit score, you might consider working to build your credit score and secure a lower down payment on a FHA loan.

•  You may also be able to qualify for VA loans and USDA loans though these typically require credit scores above 565 (in the 600s) to qualify. If, however, you have a strong repayment history, you might find a lender willing to offer you financing.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 565 Credit Score?

You might have trouble qualifying for personal loans with a 565 credit score. A credit score in the fair vs. poor range could improve the likelihood of qualifying for a personal loan, though at a high interest rate.

Once you’re able to qualify, a personal loan can be used for almost any purpose, such as paying for a vacation or financing a wedding.

If your rationale for a personal loan is to pay off high-interest debt, such as a credit card consolidation loan, you may not secure a low enough interest rate to make it worthwhile.

To secure a more competitive rate, you might consider using collateral for a personal loan. Or you might work on building your credit score first, as outlined above.

Recommended: Personal Loan Calculator

The Takeaway

A 565 credit score isn’t good. Rather, it’s categorized as poor. With this score, you may have a hard time qualifying for credit, and the offers you do receive will likely be at a less favorable rate. Still, a 565 score is close to 580, which is the lower end of the fair range, so working to build your credit score by several points could unlock more affordable credit. Always compare offers from multiple lenders when possible to find the best deal before committing, whether for a credit card offer or a personal loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Jamie Cattanach

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

We all know that Virginia is for lovers — but is it for savers, too?

The site of the first permanent British colony, and thus the first state in America, Virginia is awash in historical and cultural intrigue, not to mention plain old natural beauty. From the beachy east coast to the mountainous west, the Old Dominion’s got it all.

It makes sense then that so many people live here (over 8.8 million, in fact). U.S. News ranks it 13th in terms of overall quality of life.

But what’s the cost of living like?

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Virginia?

Average Cost of Living in Virginia: $55,776 per year

Good news for those drawn to the land of America’s forefathers: All told, Virginia’s cost of living is relatively reasonable. While it’s not one of the cheapest states in the nation, it’s not one of the most expensive either. In its 2024 study, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) ranks Virginia 29th of 50 as far as cost of living goes. By contrast, neighboring Maryland is one of the most expensive states, in 46th place from less to more expensive, though North Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky all rank more affordable on MERIC’s list.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how that cost of living breaks down. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the average Virginian spends $55,776 per year keeping themselves afloat, according to the most recent data. Here’s where that money goes:

Housing Costs in Virginia

Average Housing Costs in Virginia: $1,474 to $2,750 per month

Keeping a roof over our heads is a high priority for most of us — and with 3,717,677 housing units, per U.S. Census data, housing is at somewhat of a premium in Virginia, considering its population.

That said, the value of Virginia homes seems to be on track with the U.S. market. According to Zillow, in February 2025 the typical home value in the state was $396,356 — which is slightly less than the nationwide average U.S. home value of $357,138.

Of course, the exact value of homes in Virginia varies widely depending on which area you’re considering. Here are Zillow’s average home values in Virginia by metro area in February 2025:

And what do those housing costs look like on a monthly basis? Here are some median mortgage and rent figures in Virginia, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $2,079

•  Median studio rent: $1,474

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $1,461

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,503

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,652

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $2,178

•  Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $2,750

•  Median gross rent: $1,567

Utility Costs in Virginia

Average Utility Costs in Virginia: $387 per month

For most of us, a house isn’t a home until it’s got water and electricity flowing through its pipes and wires — and internet to boot. Here’s how much it costs to get your household up and running in Virginia, on average.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, 2023; Statista.com, “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States in 2023, by state; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report 2023; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Virginia: $366 per person, per month

From barbecue to blue crab, Virginia is known for its good eats. But how much will you have to spend in the state to keep yourself fed?

If the average nonrestaurant food and beverage bill in Virginia is $4,389 per person, per year, that’s about $366 a month, per person. (Do keep in mind that this figure is just an average. It doesn’t take into account the fact that children eat less than adults and that some adults eat more or less than others.)

Of course, as is true in most states, your exact grocery costs will depend on where you live. According to 2024 rankings from the Council for Community and Economic Research here’s how major Virginia cities stack up in terms of the grocery bill.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Virginia: $9,876 to $18,377 per year

While major Virginia metros like Richmond do have public transportation, many people in this spread-out state rely on personal vehicles to get around — and any way you slice it, there’s a cost to getting where you’re going.

Your specific transportation expenses will, again, vary: Are you schlepping kids to school on the way to work each morning, or are you a single adult working from home? MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for February 2025 offers some excellent figures to help estimate your travel costs, depending on your circumstances.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Virginia: $8,434 per person, per year

If the average Virginia resident pays about $8,434 per year in health care expenses, that figures out to $703 per month.

Again, though, this average figure may not be representative of your experience. The exact amount you can expect to pay will depend on your health insurance coverage, how often you need medical attention, and other factors.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Virginia: $942 to $1,581 or more per child, per month

If you’ve got kids, you already know that taking care of them can be a major budget item to plan for. As worthwhile as it is, child care is expensive.

Your specific expenses will depend not only on how many children you have (obviously), but also how, exactly, you want them looked after. CostofChildcare.org offers some averages to look at, as well as options to see how costs might change depending on classroom size, caretaker compensation, and other factors.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Virginia: 5.75%

Like the majority of U.S. states, Virginia assesses a state income tax that must be paid along with federal income taxes — and the tax rate varies depending on the taxpayer’s income.

However, the highest marginal state income tax rate in Virginia is a fairly reasonable 5.75%, according to the Tax Foundation’s State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2025. While it’s higher than North Carolina’s 4.25%, it’s considerably lower than nearby Washington, D.C.’s highest, 10.75%.

Miscellaneous Costs

We’ve covered all the necessities, but you’ve gotta have a little fun every now and then, too! The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that “all other personal expenditures” in Virginia total about $31,267. Here’s where some of that money might be going (prices accurate as of February 2025).

•  Entry to Shenandoah National Park, known for its epic Skyline Drive as well as its many more outdoor recreation opportunities: $30 for a single private vehicle and all passengers for seven consecutive days.

•  Tickets to Colonial Williamsburg, a historic theme park with reenactments, museums, and more have dropped dramatically in 2025, and now cost $35 for an adult single-day ticket or $10 for youths 6-12. (Purchased online, an adult ticket is $31.50 and youth ticket, $9.) Annual passes and other ticket options are also available at various price points.

•  Passage into Luray Caverns, a beautifully decorated cave, which also includes entry to the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction: $34 for adults and $17 for children 6-12, and $32 for seniors purchased online, and additional discounts are available for school groups, military members, and others.

•  A tin of famous Virginia Diner salted peanuts costs $9.95 for a 9 oz. container and $21.95 for a 36 oz. container. These special Virginia-grown peanuts are extra large, and go through a special two-step process, making them crunchy and delicious!

Obviously, Virginia residents are also spending some of that money on restaurant meals, clothes, and other day-to-day purchases. But the good news is, there are tons of free ways to entertain yourself in this state. Many of Virginia’s gorgeous beaches are absolutely free to the public, as are well-manicured green spaces like Richmond’s Maymont.

Additionally, many of the Smithsonian Institution properties in nearby Washington, D.C., are entirely free to enter, too. The District has one of the highest costs of living in the nation, so take advantage of your proximity without spending the money it takes to actually live there. Win-win!

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Virginia?

There are so many factors that play into your personal cost of living, and everyone has a different definition of “comfort.”

What is known, though, is that Virginia ranks 37th on the latest U.S. News and World Report Affordability Ranking (the higher the placement, the less affordable it is), which is worse than its above-mentioned MERIC cost of living ranking of 29th.

All of which is to say: While there are expensive parts of the state to live in (and expensive lifestyles to choose), Virginia is, generally speaking, pretty middle-of-the-road in terms of affordability.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Virginia?

Looking to stack the odds in your favor when it comes to finding an affordable lifestyle in Virginia? Choosing a community with a lower overall cost of living can help.

Using that same 2024 data from the Council for Community and Economic Research, here are three of the cheapest major Virginia cities to live in, along with some insider details.

Martinsville

Smack-dab in the middle of the east-west expanse of Virginia, but far enough south to be just minutes from the North Carolina border, Martinsville enjoys the council’s lowest cost of living at 89.2% of the U.S. average. Additionally, according to Zillow, the typical home there is valued at just $131,799.

Martinsville has a population of about 13,763 and is home to the Virginia Museum of Natural History and the Heritage Center & Museum. It’s also home to the shortest track in the NASCAR circuit. Plus, bigger metro areas like Roanoke and Danville are only about an hour away.

Danville

Tied with Martinsville in COLI’s 2024 data is Danville, also a south-central Virginia city, which earned a score of 89.2% from the council. Zillow estimates the average home value in Danville is $146,185, which makes it an affordable place to hang your hat. Touching the border with North Carolina, Danville is a quiet town steeped in Civil War history that’s just an hour’s drive to bustling Greensboro, NC and 90 minutes to Raleigh, NC.

Roanoke

Nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains and the gates of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia, is a well-populated inland Virginia city with around 97,171 residents, and a very reasonable cost of living of 90.8%.

Roanoke is home to the Taubman Museum of Art, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, and is within easy reach of many of western Virginia’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. Zillow’s estimate of the average home value is $260,919, which is much lower than the state average.