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Cost of living in Emporia city, VA

Estimated monthly cost
$2,722/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 5,633 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $711 26%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $443 16%
Groceries $355 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $202 7%
State tax $156 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Emporia city

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$707
per month
1 bedroom
$711
per month
2 bedroom
$933
per month
3 bedroom
$1,275
per month
4 bedroom
$1,532
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Emporia city

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$49,375
per year
Individual earnings
$37,127
per year
Per capita
$25,570
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Emporia city

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$131,100
Annual property tax
$990

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Emporia city

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$153
per month · 14.6¢/kWh
Natural gas
$49
per month
Annual total
$2,424
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Emporia city

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.9%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Emporia city

State and local tax rates for Virginia.

State income tax
5.8%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.3%
Combined sales tax
5.8%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Emporia city

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
23.8 min
Drive alone
79.3%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
6.0%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Emporia city

What it costs to live in Emporia city each month.

Single person
$2,722
per month
  • Rent $711
  • Energy $202
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $355
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $443
  • State tax $156
Couple
$3,810
per month
  • Rent $933
  • Energy $242
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $588
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $483
  • State tax $215
Family
$6,314
per month
  • Rent $1,275
  • Energy $303
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $893
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $483
  • State tax $215

Frequently asked questions about Emporia city

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Emporia city?

In Emporia city, VA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $711 per month, a two-bedroom averages $933 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,275 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Emporia city?

In Emporia city, VA, the average household income is $49,375 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $37,127 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Emporia city?

The estimated cost of living in Emporia city, VA is approximately $2,722 per month for a single person, $3,810 for a couple, $6,314 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Emporia city?

The combined sales tax rate in Emporia city, VA is 5.75%, which includes the Virginia state rate of 5.30% plus an average local rate of 0.45%.

Is Emporia city an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Emporia city, VA would need approximately $2,722 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $49,375 per year ($4,115 per month). Emporia city has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Emporia city?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Emporia city, VA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.9% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Emporia city?

The average home value in Emporia city, VA is $131,100, with average annual property taxes of $990, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Emporia city compare to other areas?

You can compare Emporia city, VA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Emporia city is in Virginia.

Other counties in Virginia

Browse the full list of counties in Virginia, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Virginia

Compare Emporia city with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP