RentData

Average Rent in Staunton, VA Rents falling 34.5% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in VA

HUD FY2016 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 126,052

Data review: HUD FY2016Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2016. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Staunton, VA has rental prices ranging from $550/month to $1,032/month in 2016, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $597/month — 57% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,949/year, spending $597/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Staunton Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $753/month, Staunton ranks #66 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Virginia — more affordable than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Staunton Rental Market

The Staunton, VA area has a population of about 126,052 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Staunton, VA have fallen by $396/month (34.5%) over the past year, from $1,149 to $753. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Staunton, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,880. The local median household income of $70,949 exceeds that threshold by $47,069, making Staunton relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Staunton, VA is $315,713, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 34.9. With a break-even horizon of approximately 35 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2016
Studio
$550
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$597
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$753
34.5% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,018
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,032
Affordable
🔔
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Median Home Value
$315,713
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,680/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Staunton, VA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$30,120/year
Local median income: $70,949
To buy a median home
$67,214/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $753/month and 20% down on a $315,713 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in VAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Madison County$907$913$1,096$1,361
Warren County$983$989$1,298$1,744
King and Queen County$1,152$1,197$1,325$1,645
Richmond$1,488$1,545$1,711$2,166
Roanoke$892$948$1,141$1,597
Lynchburg$1,043$1,062$1,200$1,647

Rent or Buy in Staunton?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Staunton data

$
Home Value
$315,713
2BR Rent
$753/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,680/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,325/movs rent: $753/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $315,713 home at 7% rate

20% — $63,143
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,680
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$252,570
Total Paid
$604,929
Total Interest
$352,359
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Staunton

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Staunton

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Staunton

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Staunton

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in VA

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📋VA Tenant Rights

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