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
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 FY2016Is Staunton, VA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in VAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
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Living in Staunton
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in StauntonIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in StauntonSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in VASee how Staunton ranks statewide
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