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Cost of Living in James City County

Is it better to rent or buy in James City County? 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.

$112,593
$1,669/mo

Median in area: $1,669

$453,989

Median in area: $453,989

$90,798

If you Rent

🔑
$1,864 /mo
Base Rent$1,669
Est. Utilities$195
% of Income19.9%
Pre-tax Residual$7,519

If you Buy

🏠
$3,009 /mo
P&I (6.95%)$2,404
Taxes & Ins$410
Est. Utilities$195
% of Income32.1%
Pre-tax Residual$6,374

Compare Nearby Areas

See how James City County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyWilliamsburg City, VA
$1,547/mo
countyWilliamsburg City, VA
$1,480/mo
countyCharles City County, VA
$1,152/mo
countySurry County, VA
$990/mo
countyYork County, VA
$1,814/mo
countyNew Kent County, VA
$1,626/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in James City County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in James City County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,864, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,009 per month (a difference of $1,145).

How much do utilities cost in James City County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in James City County is approximately $195. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in James City County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in James City County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $74,560 per year.