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Cost of Living in Wise County

Is it better to rent or buy in Wise 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.

$52,271
$788/mo

Median in area: $788

$124,481

Median in area: $124,481

$24,896

If you Rent

🔑
$981 /mo
Base Rent$788
Est. Utilities$193
% of Income22.5%
Pre-tax Residual$3,375

If you Buy

🏠
$967 /mo
P&I (7.229%)$678
Taxes & Ins$96
Est. Utilities$193
% of Income22.2%
Pre-tax Residual$3,389

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Wise County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyRussell County, VA
$712/mo
countyNorton City, VA
$692/mo
countyNorton City, VA
$692/mo
countyDickenson County, VA
$715/mo
countyScott County, VA
$697/mo
countyLetcher County, KY
$661/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Wise County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $981, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $967 per month (a difference of $14).

How much do utilities cost in Wise County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Wise County is approximately $193. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Wise County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $39,240 per year.