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Virginia

Cost of living in Highland County, VA

Estimated monthly cost
$2,672/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 2,265 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $689 26%
Healthcare $480 18%
Federal tax $421 16%
Groceries $355 13%
Transport $320 12%
Energy $202 8%
State tax $150 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Highland County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$685
per month
1 bedroom
$689
per month
2 bedroom
$851
per month
3 bedroom
$1,108
per month
4 bedroom
$1,330
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Highland County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$62,946
per year
Individual earnings
$35,813
per year
Per capita
$35,262
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Highland County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$195,700
Annual property tax
$1,104

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Highland County

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 Highland County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
7.2%

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 Highland County

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 Highland County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
24.1 min
Drive alone
71.8%
Public transit
0.0%
Work from home
22.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Highland County

What it costs to live in Highland County each month.

Single person
$2,672
per month
  • Rent $689
  • Energy $202
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $355
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $421
  • State tax $150
Couple
$4,010
per month
  • Rent $851
  • Energy $242
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $588
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $700
  • State tax $280
Family
$6,429
per month
  • Rent $1,108
  • Energy $303
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $893
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $700
  • State tax $280

Frequently asked questions about Highland County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Highland County?

In Highland County, VA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $689 per month, a two-bedroom averages $851 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,108 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Highland County?

In Highland County, VA, the average household income is $62,946 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $35,813 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Highland County?

The estimated cost of living in Highland County, VA is approximately $2,672 per month for a single person, $4,010 for a couple, $6,429 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Highland County?

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

Is Highland County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Highland County, VA would need approximately $2,672 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $62,946 per year ($5,246 per month). Highland County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Highland County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Highland County, VA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Highland County?

The average home value in Highland County, VA is $195,700, with average annual property taxes of $1,104, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Highland County compare to other areas?

You can compare Highland County, VA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Highland County 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 Highland County 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
Methodology All data sources