Cost of Living

The cost of living in Southwest Virginia is considerably lower than in many localities in the United States, making it an affordable location to grow both business and family. The cost of living composite index combines measures of basic living expenses of a given city, including housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services .

Cost of Living - Composite Index

The U.S. Bureau of the Census relies on the Cost of Living Index, researched and provided by ACCRA, a nonprofit organization promoting excellence in research for economic and community development, for cost comparisons of over 300 U.S. cities. The cost of living in Roanoke is considerably lower than in many localities in the United States, making it an affordable location to grow both business and family. The cost of living composite index combines measures of basic living expenses of a given city, including housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services.

Each basic living expense is also rated individually each quarter. Roanoke consistently ranks below average in each category, indicating the low cost of living in the Valley.

(Source: ACCRA, 4th 2001)