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Cost of Living in Harrisonburg

Is it better to rent or buy in Harrisonburg? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$75,529
$1,189/mo

Median in area: $1,189

$328,880

Median in area: $328,880

$65,776

If you Rent

🔑
$1,349 /mo
Base Rent$1,189
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income21.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,945

If you Buy

🏠
$2,062 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$1,663
Taxes & Ins$239
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income32.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,232

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Harrisonburg?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Harrisonburg. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,349, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,062 per month (a difference of $713).

How much do utilities cost in Harrisonburg?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Harrisonburg is approximately $160. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Harrisonburg?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Harrisonburg without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $53,960 per year.