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Cost of Living in Smyth County

Is it better to rent or buy in Smyth 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.

$49,146
$749/mo

Median in area: $749

$138,667

Median in area: $138,667

$27,733

If you Rent

🔑
$910 /mo
Base Rent$749
Est. Utilities$161
% of Income22.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,186

If you Buy

🏠
$1,020 /mo
P&I (7.181%)$752
Taxes & Ins$107
Est. Utilities$161
% of Income24.9%
Pre-tax Residual$3,076

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Smyth County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyBland County, VA
$703/mo
countyWythe County, VA
$751/mo
countyGrayson County, VA
$777/mo
countyWashington County, VA
$866/mo
countyTazewell County, VA
$769/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Smyth County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Smyth County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $910, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,020 per month (a difference of $110).

How much do utilities cost in Smyth County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Smyth County is approximately $161. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Smyth County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $36,400 per year.