A renter’s guide to the cheapest cities in Virginia

If you’re looking for affordable rent in Virginia, here’s your guide to the cheapest cities based on Zillow rental data.

With housing costs continuing to squeeze budgets, Virginia renters are increasingly seeking affordable alternatives to high-priced metros. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of a major city, the charm of a mid-sized city, or the quaintness of a small city, these 15 commonwealth cities are where rent won’t break the bank. Using average rent data from Zillow, this guide highlights the cheapest cities in Virginia for renters.

Large cities

While one may assume that Virginia’s largest cities come with higher rent prices, there are still pockets of relative affordability. Whether you’re drawn to urban amenities or career opportunities, these five cities prove that big-city living doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive.

Norfolk 

Average rent: $1,690

With a land area of 53.3 square miles, Norfolk is a city of 238,005 and 101,386 housing units, according to the Census Bureau. Its median household income is $64,017.

Located along the Chesapeake Bay, Norfolk is a waterfront city that offers an astonishing array of activities for renters looking to make the most of urban living. Downtown Norfolk is the place to go in the city for tons of great food, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Richmond 

Average rent: $1,670

Spanning 59.9 square miles, Richmond has a population of 226,610, according to the Census Bureau. There are 111,963 housing units in the city. The median household income is $65,650.

As the state capital, Richmond has plenty to keep an active renter busy. Notably, the city is situated along the banks of the James River, offering numerous kayaking opportunities. However, the city doesn’t fall short on the cultural front either, with the Virginia Museum of Fine Art and Altria Theater calling the city home.

Newport News

Average rent: $1,650

Newport News is a large city of 69 square miles and 186,247 residents, according to the Census Bureau. There are 81,901 housing units in the city. The median household income is $64,962.

Budget-conscious renters who are looking to enjoy the perks of coastal living will likely find Newport News to be a welcoming city. The city features plenty of great fishing and water activities.

Portsmouth 

Average rent: $1,600

A total of 97,915 residents call the 33.3-square-mile city of Portsmouth home, according to the Census Bureau. The city has 43,164 housing units. The median household income is $58,972.

Portsmouth is a city that offers plenty for renters looking to stay active, including 13 miles of shoreline and the charming Olde Towne Historic District, a small neighborhood that features many period homes. Renters with children may also be interested in the Children’s Museum of Virginia, which offers free admission to members.

Roanoke 

Average rent: $1,322

Stretching 42.5 square miles, Roanoke is a city of 100,011, according to the Census Bureau. There are 48,726 housing units in the city. The median household income is $51,038.

Roanoke is a city where the urban and rural collide. With Mill Mountain situated in the heart of the city, there are numerous hiking trails that active renters will likely want to take advantage of. Those seeking a less challenging experience may appreciate the largely flat Roanoke River Greenway.

Mid-sized cities

Renters looking to balance affordability with livability should consider some of Virginia’s mid-sized cities. These cities often feature walkable downtowns, booming local economies, and, importantly, lower rental fees. Here are five commonwealth cities that offer the joys of metro living without the big-city price tag.

Waynesboro 

Average rent: $1,550

At 15.04 square miles, Waynesboro is a city of 23,498, according to the Census Bureau. The median household income is $56,364

Waynesboro is the ideal city for renters who love the outdoors, given that it’s where Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail all meet. Renters who aren’t that keen on the outdoors will likely still find the city a good place to call home because of its walkable downtown, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants.

Lynchburg 

Average rent: $1,295

At 48.9 square miles, Lynchburg is a city with a population of 79,009 and 33,832 housing units, according to the Census Bureau. The median household income is $61,693.

Lynchburg is a city that prides itself on its picturesque and strollable neighborhoods, which should be music to a renter’s ears. It’s also a great place for the water, since it’s set along the banks of the James River.

Petersburg 

Average rent: $1,250

Petersburg is a city with a population of 33,458 that stretches for 22.7 square miles, according to the Census Bureau. The city has 18,013 housing units, and the median household income is $50,74.

Petersburg is a good choice for a renter wanting to be near Richmond and not too far from the coast. For a rental with charm, consider looking in the Petersburg Old Town Historic District, which features a walkable downtown and plenty of historic buildings. The city is also home to Virginia State University.

Bristol 

Average rent: $1,350

At 12.9 square miles, Bristol has a population of 17,219, according to the Census Bureau. It has 8,670 housing units. The median household income is $44,706.

Those looking to call Virginia home but also want easy access to Tennessee might consider renting in Bristol. The city has plenty to offer, especially for those who love country music, as it’s known as the “Birthplace of Country Music.” It also offers a never-ending supply of gaming and entertainment options, thanks to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol’s opening in late 2024.

Danville

Average rent: $1,165

A larger city, Danville stretches for 42.8 square miles with a population of 42,590, according to the Census Bureau. It has 22,259 housing units. The median household income is $42,778.

With the Dan River running through it, Danville offers renters a scenic and affordable place to call home. The river can be explored along the 13-mile Riverwalk Trail. The city is gaining in popularity due to the opening of Caesars Virginia Danville Casino.

Small cities

Virginia’s small cities may not be top of mind, but they can be hidden gems for renters looking to keep their budgets in check. In addition to offering lower rent, these cities are often easy to navigate and have a strong sense of community. Here are five small commonwealth cities if you’re looking to stretch your housing dollars as far as they go.

Emporia 

Average rent: $1,500

Emporia, a city of 690 square miles, is home to 5,402 residents, according to the Census Bureau. The median household income is $49,375.

One of the main draws of the city is its Downtown Emporia Historic District. Despite being a small city, the district offers residents an eclectic mixture of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Radford 

Average rent: $1,000

At 9.7 square miles, Radford is a city of 16,070 residents and 6,449 housing units, according to the Census Bureau. Its median household income is $52,791.

Home to Radford University, Radford is a true college town. As such, it offers plenty of cultural and sporting events. It’s also situated along the banks of the New River, which can easily be accessed for those looking to enjoy a day of canoeing or kayaking.

Covington 

Average rent: $900

Covington is a city of 5.5 square miles with 5,737 residents, according to the Census Bureau. There are 3,052 housing units. The median household income is $42,724.

Covington offers renters a calm city that’s situated in the Alleghany Highlands. Notably, the city’s downtown is in the process of being revitalized, which means that new businesses and events are coming to the charming downtown area that features mountain views.

Martinsville

Average rent: $875

With 13,485 residents, Martinsville is a city of 11 square miles, according to the Census Bureau. There are 7,053 housing units in the city. The median household income is $42,434.

Once a city that was dominated by industry, Martinsville is now an affordable city for renters who still want easy access to cultural opportunities, like the Martinsville Speedway and the Virginia Museum of Natural History.

Galax

Average rent: $775

With a population of 6,739, Galax is a city that stretches for 8.24 square miles, according to the Census Bureau. The city’s median household income is $41,438.

Budget-conscious renters who value entertainment will likely find Galax to be a charming city given its diverse array of yearly events. Known as the “Old-Time Music Capital of the World,” the city stages The Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention and Smoke on the Mountain.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Related: Learn about Roanoke’s 7 sister cities (on four different continents!)